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.

Press Rights Quick Links

Prior Review | Law-Ethics Manual | Key Cases | What Are Ethics | Tools of Truth

The Latest

Video series gives crash course in press rights issues

If you’re looking for a quick refresher on press rights issues, a potential class bellringer or something to spark discussions in class, check out this video series created by SPRC member Tripp Robbins. The series, which Robbins created for his MJE project, delves into issues from FERPA to hate speech to covering protests. Robbins worked…

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New frontiers: Voting as speech

Overview In this lesson, students will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence, voting rights and the First Amendment. By analyzing how AI can influence the democratic process, including voter suppression, gerrymandering and misinformation, students will also consider voting as a form of protected speech under the First Amendment. They will discuss whether restrictions on voting…

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Free expression and us album: Music, the First Amendment and textual analysis

Overview This project integrates knowledge of the First Amendment with students’ favorite form of entertainment: music. Students will critically analyze song lyrics and themes, connecting them to First Amendment rights. They will work in groups to create an “album” that teaches others about freedom of speech, press, religion, petition, and assembly, demonstrating their comprehension through…

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12 ways to teach the 2024 election with The New York Times

The New York Times offers engaging, adaptable strategies to help educators explore the 2024 election with their students in meaningful ways, just in time for Constitution Day activities. The guide features 12 diverse teaching methods, encouraging students to reflect on their identities, understand the Electoral College, monitor misinformation, and follow political news. It also includes…

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.

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