Press Rights
JEA stands firmly behind student journalists’ press freedom. Where journalism students delve into the impact of such events as the invasion of the Capitol Jan. 6 and issues stemming from it, they create community engagement and understanding of journalistic responsibility, roles and values. Where the same students make final decisions of content without prior review and restraint, democracy’s ideals flourish and expand. We denounce all efforts to stifle student journalists, and we stand in solidarity with advisers who support them.
Constitution Day is Sept. 17
2025 Theme: Power to the People
The Scholastic Press Rights Committee has put together a set of activities and materials around the 2025 theme "Power to the People" for teachers to use in their classrooms this Constitution Day, Sept. 17. They range from full lesson plans to quick activities and ways to promote Constitution Day in your school community.
Press Rights Quick Links
Prior Review | Law-Ethics Manual | Key Cases | What Are Ethics | Tools of Truth
Reporting stories student journalists
can best tell
by John Bowen, MJE The above statement is a good reminder or our social responsibility to report all aspects of teen issues – those with good, bad and impact – because our audiences have a right to know. These are stories student journalists can tell best. As journalists we do not actively protest, lead walkouts…
Political ads: Who can place an advertisement QT54
Social media post/question: Should student media allow political ads? Guideline Students make all content decisions, including those related to advertising, and maintain the right to reject any ads. Student media do not necessarily endorse the products or services offered in advertisements. Students should strive to retain as much control of funds or services obtained from…
Ad Placement QT53
Newspapers used to keep in-depth, front page and opinion pages completely separated from advertising. The thinking was the advertising and promotion of products should not appear to influence a newspaper’s editorial choices. They wanted to keep their most important pages dedicated to the content they deemed most important. These self-imposed guidelines have relaxed significantly in…
Never doubt the reality and power
of the First Amendment
by Stan Zoller, MJE It’s a staple of any journalism curriculum. It’s on T-shirts. It’s on ties. It’s on posters and protestor’s signs. It’s on our minds. But is it in our hearts? It is the First Amendment. Attention to the First Amendment has escalated lately with the number of walkouts and demonstrations by students…
Need help with a censorship issue? You found it.
If you are a JEA member or students of a JEA member who need assistance concerning censorship issues, use the panic button below to generate an online form to explain your situation. This will go to a Scholastic Press Rights Committee member who will assist you quickly and notify others in your state so they can offer assistance. This outreach capability is a direct result of JEA’s Adviser Assistance Program and is designed to combat censorship issues advisers and students might face.