Got Censorship? Here's A Place To Turn

By Doug White
Online Reporter

As a high school journalist, you sometimes may feel like you don’t have any rights.

But you do. And you have somewhere to turn.

The Student Press Law Center educates scholastic journalists about their rights and supports them in their mission to report stories free from censorship. The SPLC, founded in 1974 and based in Arlington,Va., operates a free legal advice hotline and produces publications dedicated to student press-related issues.

The SPLC does not tell student journalists what and what not to publish, but it does offer practical advice on dealing with standard scholastic speed bumps, such as censorship and rigid school administrators.

"We are an advocate for students," said Mark Goodman, who has headed the SPLC since 1985. "We help them understand the law and the practical realities about content decisions."

Goodman said one of the main problems student journalists face is that school administrators often have different ideas about the role and function of the student press.

"Some administrators don't understand the notion of journalism, that you have to cover both the good and bad," he said. "They may think it's a PR device for the school that promotes only positive aspects of the school. The thing I'd suggest is to keep as open a line as possible with school administrators. It's an initial, but important step."

If a student press organization plans to cover a controversial topic, Goodman advises approaching administrators to make sure they understand the reasons for exploring the issue.

"If you have a controversial topic, talk to the school administration about the issue in question," Goodman said. "Talk about your thoughts on the issues and relate the feelings and beliefs that you believe the story reflects."

Goodman says students may provide the administrator with a perspective they had never pondered.

"It shows them (the administrator) a level of respect, which may prompt them to show the same respect to the student publication."

The SPLC manages a formal Attorney Referral Network of approximately 150 lawyers from across the nation who can provide free legal representation to students when necessary. If you have any legal questions, feel you are being unfairly censored, or simply have an interest in student media law you can contact the SPLC at (703) 807-1904 or www.splc.org.