Students at Charles Wright Academy, an independent school in Tacoma, Wash., dedicated the cover and center spread of the February issue of the monthly magazine to coverage of a bill in their state legislature that would give student editors control over the content of their newspapers. (Poynter Online also wrote about the bill.)
The cover of The Academy Times featured a graphic by Anna Min, the magazine’s student editor, quoting the legislation.
Min also wrote the story, reporting what the bill says, how it came about and the viewpoints of those in favor and against it. In the interest of full disclosure (and to help localize the story), the article
Academy Times news story mentions that three students (including Min) and the magazine’s adviser attended a hearing to show support for the bill and that Steve Matson, the adviser, and one student spoke on its behalf.
Academy Times news story mentions that three students (including Min) and the magazine’s adviser attended a hearing to show support for the bill and that Steve Matson, the adviser, and one student spoke on its behalf.Here’s an excerpt from an editorial that same issue:
Too many student journalists are censored for arbitrary reasons. Administrators can use prior review to censor out of self-interest or out of fear of a particular topic. HB 1307 allows students to determine the content of their publications and limits prior review powers to censoring only prohibited speech.The bill would have educational benefit for student journalists across the state. Because students are held fully accountable for what they write, advisers are encouraged to better educate their students about professional standards of journalism. Also, if students have greater responsibility for the material they publish, students will be forced to make decisions thoughtfully, and journalism will be a proactive learning opportunity.
We call on students, parents, faculty, administrators, and board members to support HB 1307.
Charles Wright Academy is a private school, and the bill applies only to public schools. But these student journalists already control the content in The Academy Times, which is not read by school administrators before publication.
Student journalists, share your coverage of this or other topics. Send PDFs of your work or links to Wendy Wallace.
