ima use
proper grammar, spelling, punctuation the whole nine so follow me closely. =D
The media is a powerful tool for informing the public of important issues. Even among young people, high school newspapers have the opportunity to cover important topics that relate to their peers, schools and communities. When authorities have the power to edit and delete stories, however, the integrity of
high school news becomes skewed.
The
U.S. Supreme Court 1988 case of
Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier upheld the right of school districts to censor high school newspapers, ruling that
student newspapers, which are not public forums for student expression, do not retain the full rights of the
First Amendment. The case involved a high
school principal who eliminated articles discussing teenage pregnancy and divorce. In the last 20 years, however, seven states have passed laws that protect
high school students from similar instances of censorship. Now Kentucky has the chance to do the same with the passage of H.B. 43, which will ensure student journalists the
freedom of speech and the
freedom of the press.
Contrary to what some may believe, the bill does not grant complete freedom to what high school newspapers can publish. Section four of the bill clearly prohibits material that contains “libelous or slanderous” remarks, violates the right of privacy, or causes danger or disruption to a school environment. Rather, the stipulations of the bill merely prevent school boards, principals, and other members of school administrations from tossing a news story that they simply do not like. Instead of publishing fluffy articles that only serve to promote the school’s image, student journalists would follow a greater mission: to report the news to the public in an accurate and fair manner.
In fact, the greater freedom in the newsroom would allow students to do what they are meant to do – learn. Yes, they are in high school, but limitations are not a healthy way to learn. When a classroom allows its students to explore and test what they absorb in school, students can engage in a variety of higher-level skills. In a journalism class, discussing
controversial issues and the possible repercussions of certain articles compels students to consider journalistic ethics and apply their knowledge to a real-world situation. At the same time, they develop the necessary skills to become better journalists, communicators, and American citizens.
Of course, risks always come with more freedom, especially when it involves youth, but society tends to give them less credit than they deserve. The majority of teenagers can infer whether their published words will harm others, and the journalism staffs assume any financial or legal liabilities of published content, which teaches students to consider the consequences of their actions. The supervision of peer editors and the guidance of adult advisors should also serve as enough precaution to avoid any potential damages. The endless “what-ifs” of releasing a particular story should not override the value of the freedom of the press.
However, the journalistic and educational rewards of House Bill 43 will never come to effect if the proposal stalls in the House. Legislators will only pass the bill if they hear the encouraging voices of their constituents. Write or e-mail your local representatives to support Kentucky in becoming the eighth state to protect its young journalists. The freedoms of the First Amendment are too valuable to die in a committee.
questions comments concerns?
