Fitting the puzzle pieces together
This week’s blogpost is a puzzle of sorts.
What do the following have in common?
• 8 ways a landmark Supreme Court ruling has changed student journalism?
• Scholastic journalism: Skills for the 21st Century (and two related pieces in the magazine)
• Brennan students petition to reinstate lesbian couple’s yearbook photo
They should remind us that good people involved in all aspects of scholastic education, including administrators, still recognize and fight for what is right. The links should also remind us the fight continues no matter how long and hard we have fought it.
Lastly, we should take note of why the fight is not over and why we must continue to support those most affected as they strive to live out our democratic heritage.
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Tweet20: Don’t fight censorship alone: Share with others
Report censorship and share your stories about the legal and ethical problems you face. #25HZLWD http://jeasprc.org/tweet20-dont-fight-censorship-alone-share-with-others
Those who face censorship or restraints on their ability to publish factual, truthful and accurate information should know they are not alone. The SPLC has its legal assistance network, the Journalism Education Association has its Panic Button and its student partner group, 45words has its Under Fire.
• SPLC legal assistance
http://www.splc.org/legalassistance/legal_request.asp
• JEA’s Scholastic Press Rights Commission
http://jeasprc.org/panic-button/
• 45words Under Fire
http://45words.org/under-fire/
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Tweet16: Know how to fight legal battles, if you must
If legal battles are necessary, students have to fight them, and know protected from unprotected speech. #25HZLWD http://tinyurl.com/bc98rs4
Advisers cannot fight legal battles for students. It is imperative students understand the difference between protected and unprotected speech and what is worth fighting for. Additionally, students need to know the process and resources available for them to fight censorship. Decisions to enter into legal battles cannot be made lightly. Before this step is taken, know the best ways to fight.
Resources for unprotected speech:
• SPLC/CMA Legal Bootcamp – Student Press Law Center
http://www.splc.org/presentations/pppressfreedom.pps
• Student media guide to Internet law
http://www.splc.org/knowyourrights/legalresearch.asp?id=73
• Understanding student free-expression laws
http://www.splc.org/news/report_detail.asp?id=1351&edition=43
• SPLC presentations and handouts usable in the classroom; also lesson plans (scroll down the page)
http://www.splc.org/presentations/
• SPLC podcasts
http://www.splc.org/podcasts/
• First Amendment FAQs
http://archive.firstamendmentcenter.org/Speech/faqs.aspx?id=15822&
• Legal guide for the private school press
http://www.splc.org/knowyourrights/legalresearch.asp?id=52
Resources for fighting censorship:
• Fighting censorship: A Checklist
http://www.studentpress.org/nspa/trends/~law0305hs.html
• Fighting censorship after Hazelwood
http://www.splc.org/knowyourrights/legalresearch.asp?id=5
• High school confidential
http://www.ajr.org/article.asp?id=2554
• Censorship statement
http://azaipa.org/?page_id=66
• A student media adviser’s guide to fighting (and surviving)_ censorship
https://www.splc.org/classroomresources/mediaadvisertips.asp
• Fighting journalistic media censorship must start locally
http://jeasprc.org/fighting-scholastic-media-censorship-must-start-locally/
• Posts tagged “The Spoke”
http://jeasprc.org/tag/the-spoke/
• Resources for publications facing censorship
http://friendsofthespoke.org/Resources_for_a_publication_facing_censorship_-_Friends_of_The_Spoke.html
• Press freedom at a public junior or high school
http://www.splc.org/knowyourrights/legalresearch.asp?subcat=1
Tweet15: Know how to use public records
You have the right to information. Know how to use public records. #25HZLWD http://jeasprc.org/tweet15-know-how-to-use-public-records
Open records—in other words, the government information that is accessible to the public— vary by state. Sometimes, finding exactly what is public in your state is simply a matter of knowing what state statute details this information. Use the links below to find out which statute in your state gives more information:
http://www.splc.org/legalassistance/foiletter.asp
http://www.splc.org/knowyourrights/legalresearch.asp?id=15
Then, once you’ve identified a record you would like access to, make a verbal request first. If the record isn’t forthcoming, use the Student Press Law Center’s Freedom of Information letter generator to request your record:
http://www.splc.org/legalassistance/foiletter.asp
Sometimes, school officials will not release information because they claim it violates FERPA (the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act). Use the link below to better understand what records are closed under FERPA, and what records you legally should have the right to access:
http://www.splc.org/pdf/ferpa_wp.pdf
Tweet14: Use anonymous sources sparingly
Tweet-14–Use anonymous sources sparingly and have good reason for doing so. #25HZLWD http://jeasprc.org/tweet14-use-anonymous-sources-sparingly/
For any journalist, using anonymous sources creates a true predicament—one in which the newspaper’s credibility is on the line, and the reporter takes full responsibility for the authenticity and accuracy of whatever the anonymous source says. This is a difficult and precarious situation to be in, and it is one all student publications should enter only after careful consideration.
• Guide to using anonymous sources
http://www.jeasprc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/SPRC-Foundation6-anon.pdf
How do you know when using an anonymous source is appropriate and justified? Consider our tips for using anonymous sources, and then be sure to create your own staff policy that dictates how and when anonymous sources are OK.
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