The expectation is that public schools educate our students on how a democratic society works and the benefits of our Constitution — including the First Amendment. We hope that when students graduate, they will become active and informed citizens who make ethical choices. Toward that end, student journalists and their publications, newspapers, yearbooks, news websites, and broadcasts are important to the promise of free speech and a free press in the U.S.
“We” are two journalism educators, deeply involved with Washington state scholastic journalism programs through a non-profit run by and for teachers who advise student media: the Washington Journalism Education Association (WJEA).
We make sure teachers are prepared to teach real journalism, regardless of their areas of expertise. Often teachers are assigned a journalism class with little or no journalism training. WJEA is here to help those teachers succeed, with professional development, resources, and a community of other teachers who do the same work. (Learn more at wjea.org.) WJEA also holds events and workshops for advisers and their students.
Building skills, giving voice
The value of journalism is frequently questioned and the sustainability of its delivery systems (local papers, in particular) is in doubt. We, however, believe that true, objective, well-sourced reporting is needed now more than ever, especially in our schools.
Student media allow students to experience the power of the First Amendment firsthand. A vibrant student press provides students a voice and strengthens involvement in the school community. It offsets misinformation spread by social media, replacing rumors with accurate information from reliable sources. It enhances the possibility of open minds and fosters civil discussions with people of differing perspectives.
Student journalists provide a voice to the voiceless. They tell the stories that need to be shared, allowing the student body to make informed decisions and teaching them to ask difficult questions and demand explanations.
Since printed media includes bylines and is read by the entire school, student journalists have great incentive to make sure their work is based on traceable facts and credible sources. Mistakes happen, but unlike social media, student journalists take responsibility for errors and, if necessary, apologize and make corrections.
Washington is one of 18 states with laws protecting the free speech rights of student journalists. Signed into law in 2018 by Gov. Jay Inslee, this measure (RCWA28.600.027) establishes that student editors, not administrators or even advisers, control content decisions in student media. Those decisions are made by student editors, who must abide by the law. They cannot legally publish any form of unprotected speech (libel, defamation, potential to cause a substantial disruption, etc.). Administrators must allow the school press to cover stories that are controversial, as long as they are lawful. School officials who abide by the law are exempt from liability for published content produced by students. Advisers who refuse to censor legal content in student media are protected from retaliation by law.
Elements of a Good J Program
Schools with the best journalism programs have:
- Supportive administrators (both district and building);
- A district policy that is in compliance with Washington’s Student Press Rights law;
- A qualified teacher who, if not trained in journalism, is provided support to receive necessary professional development and resources;
- A for-credit journalism program that is adequately funded and has the resources to do its job of providing news and information to the school community.
Washington state schools regularly receive top honors at national high school journalism conventions. One, Mountlake Terrace High School, recently won its 14th national First Amendment Press Freedom Award. The award, given by the National Journalism Education Association, honors schools that allow a free student press to thrive, thanks to supportive administrators and district policies honoring student First Amendment rights.
It’s exciting to observe students’ growth as they gain important skills working in student media. They learn to participate and effectively communicate, and they learn that decisions must be made with ethical considerations. Whether or not they become professional journalists, students who are “raised” with a strong student journalism program become adults who seek out quality journalism and know the importance of protecting First Amendment rights.
This article is an opinion piece (Op-Ed) and reflects the views of the author. We encourage thoughtful debate and welcome a range of viewpoints. Readers who wish to submit their own Op-Ed for consideration can do so by emailing editor@seattleschild.com.
