Are schools allowed to censor student newspapers?

Kuhlmeier, the high court ruled that school officials can censor school-sponsored publications if their decision is “reasonably related to a legitimate pedagogical purpose.” This means school officials must show that they have a reasonable educational reason for censoring the material.

Why should school newspapers be censored?

By censoring student newspapers, schools send a message to their students that they don’t have First Amendment rights. Additionally, students pay a lot of money to earn their degrees and should be able to know what’s going on, even if it doesn’t paint the school and its administrators in the best light.

What cases are permitted to censor school newspapers?

Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier
Facts and case summary for Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988) The First Amendment rights of student journalists are not violated when school officials prevent the publication of certain articles in the school newspaper.

Are there any limitations to what a high school newspaper can publish?

School authorities can only prohibit publication of stories in school newspapers if they are obscene, libelous, slanderous, or likely to incite others to commit illegal or disruptive acts.

Does the First Amendment protect a school publication for censorship?

First Amendment: the provision of the U.S. Constitution that provides protection to free speech and press freedom, including for students. Censorship: prohibiting publication of information preventing reporters access to public information or creating an atmosphere in which student censor themselves.

How do I start a school newspaper?

Generating Story Ideas

1. Step 1: Make a list of 10 hot topics at your school.
2. Step 2: Make a list of at least five hot topics in the news today.
3. Step 3: Talk to your student reporters.
4. Step 4: Now it’s time to assign stories.
5. Step 5: Give your reporters a firm deadline and stick to it.

What test does the Supreme Court provide for the right of school officials to censor school newspaper articles?

The substantial disruption test
The substantial disruption test is the major standard developed by the U.S. Supreme Court in its seminal student speech K-12 decision Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969) meant to determine when public school officials may discipline students for their expression.

How can you make a school newspaper successful?

Can a school district censor a student press?

Des Moines Independent Community School District. Together, these cases set the standards school officials must meet before they can legally censor student expression under the First Amendment. ( State laws and regulations may provide additional protection.)

What happens when a student challenges school censorship?

Although graduation day is traditionally a time for celebration and for new beginnings, it can bring an unhappy ending to the legal claims of a student who is challenging school censorship. In general, challenges to school policies must be raised by currently affected students. When a student graduates, a court may dismiss her claims as moot.

Can a school censor a junior high journalist?

Together, these cases set the standards school officials must meet before they can legally censor student expression under the First Amendment. ( State laws and regulations may provide additional protection.) The links below provide information about how the courts have defined the rights of junior high and high school student journalists.

What should be the layout of a high school newspaper?

An 11×17 black and white high school newspaper. A student run newspaper from an art institute. Your articles and stories are central to your newspaper design and layout. Don’t use fonts that are difficult to read or make out. Use fonts that the eye can pick up on easily and avoid using many different kinds of fonts.