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

Handling tough topics: Kirk, Kimmel and beyond

The day after Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah State, a few students in one of my classes asked for my thoughts. And while a number of people in and out of my district would say it’s inappropriate for me to answer that question – too controversial – I answered it. Because it is very…

Power to the People: Student coverage of protests (Constitution Day 2025)

Overview and Rationale The 2024-2025 school year was filled with people taking advantage of their First Amendment right to assemble, and this new year is sure to be no different. This lesson plan encourages students to consider the First Amendment’s connection to the theme of “Power to the People.” It also encourages them to read…

Shoring up the basics: Short videos for Constitution Day 2025

Tripp Robbins, MJE, created this series of bite-sized videos as an introduction to topics in student media law and ethics for the Scholastic Press Rights Committee. They can be used as part of a curriculum or just on a need-to-know basis. They’re concise and dense, so you may want to pause them to digest some…

Power to the People: Do they use that power wisely? (Constitution Day 2025)

Constitution Day 2025: Power to the People Class research activity: Do they use that power wisely? The Constitution, signed in 1787, begins with a short preamble, spelling out its intent. We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence,…

Red Panic Button

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.