Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Speech

Summary

Teen Kids News explores why freedom of the press matters to student journalists. The piece explains how First Amendment protections once shielded student newspapers from prior restraint after a 1969 Supreme Court ruling, but a late-1980s decision removed some safeguards and enabled school censorship. Guests from the Student Press Law Center and student reporters describe censorship’s chilling effects, the New Voices movement to pass state laws protecting student media, and practical support for students facing suppression. The segment urges young journalists to learn their rights, mobilize for legal protections, and defend free press as vital to democracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Freedom of the press is essential not only for adults but also for students, ensuring their rights to express and report news.
• 😀 The U.S. Supreme Court's 1969 ruling protected student journalists' rights to publish without censorship from school officials.
• 😀 The 1980s Supreme Court ruling allowed school officials to censor student publications, particularly on controversial issues like teen pregnancy or divorce.
• 😀 A movement is working to restore student journalists' First Amendment rights, spearheaded by organizations like the Student Press Law Center (SPLC).
• 😀 School officials often censor stories to protect their institution's reputation, especially on sensitive topics such as bullying or sexual harassment.
• 😀 Censorship can be discouraging for student journalists, but understanding their rights and connecting with other activists can be empowering.
• 😀 'New Voices' legislation is a series of laws designed to restore student journalists' protections from censorship across the U.S.
• 😀 California was the first state to pass a New Voices bill before the 1980s Supreme Court ruling, but it didn't prevent all instances of censorship.
• 😀 17 states have passed New Voices laws, but many other states are still considering them, with the goal of protecting students' First Amendment rights.
• 😀 The Student Press Law Center provides free legal assistance to students and their advisers and advocates for New Voices legislation to protect student press freedom.
• 😀 It is crucial for students to stay informed about their rights and be aware of local education laws to safeguard their freedom of expression.

Q & A

What is the significance of 'freedom of the press' for students, as mentioned in the script?

Freedom of the press is important for students because it ensures they have the same rights to express themselves as adults do. It allows student journalists to report on controversial issues, making sure their voices are heard and their rights protected, even in schools.

What was the ruling in 1969 about student journalists and freedom of the press?

In 1969, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that students do not lose their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the school gate. This ruling protected student journalists from prior restraint, meaning school authorities could not censor or prevent them from publishing their work.

How did the 1980s ruling affect student journalism?

In the late 1980s, a different Supreme Court ruling reversed some of the protections for student journalists. The Court ruled that a principal could stop a student newspaper from publishing certain stories, like those about teen pregnancy or divorce, which led to a chilling effect on student journalism nationwide.

What is the Student Press Law Center (SPLC), and what role does it play?

The SPLC is a national organization that provides free legal services to students and their advisers, helping them navigate censorship issues. The center also leads the 'New Voices' campaign to restore and protect First Amendment rights for student journalists.

What is the 'New Voices' legislation, and how does it help student journalists?

'New Voices' refers to a series of laws introduced in various states to protect student journalists from censorship. These laws ensure that students can publish stories freely, without fear of school officials preventing their work, and also provide protections for advisers.

Why do some school officials prevent certain stories from being published?

School officials may prevent certain stories from being published due to concerns over the school's reputation. Topics like sexual harassment, bullying, or other issues that portray the school in a negative light may be censored to protect the school's image.

How did Hannah Olen's experience with censorship impact her as a journalist?

Hannah found the initial censorship discouraging and disheartening, as it undermined the autonomy of the student newspaper. However, learning about her rights and connecting with other student journalists through the SPLC was empowering in the long run.

Why was the 'New Voices' law important in California, and how did it fail to protect Hannah's school?

California was the first state to pass a 'New Voices' law, which was designed to protect student journalists from censorship. However, Hannah's school did not initially recognize the censorship as a violation of their rights, which meant they were pressured into changing articles despite the legal protections in place.

What is the current status of 'New Voices' legislation across the U.S.?

Currently, only 17 states have passed 'New Voices' laws. Although more states are considering the legislation, the process is slow, and student activists, including those from the SPLC, continue to push for these protections nationwide.

Why is it important for every state to pass 'New Voices' legislation?

'New Voices' laws are crucial because they ensure that students can publish stories that are important to their communities without worrying about censorship. Such laws help protect freedom of speech and ensure that students' voices are not suppressed, especially when covering tough or sensitive topics.