Policy JP
Definition of Official School Publications
Official school publications such as newspapers, yearbooks, and literary magazines may be pre-pared in regularly scheduled classes and are components of the curriculum approved by the School Board. These publications are not intended to provide a public forum for students or the general public. In all instances related to these publications, the School Board will be the publisher, the principal will be the editor, the faculty sponsor will be co-editor, and students appointed by the co-editor may serve as assistant editors and journalists.
Responsibilities of Student Editors and Journalists
Student editors and journalists shall be responsible for preparing and writing factual material that is not obscene, defamatory, or an invasion of privacy or that:
- Is reasonably foreseeable to lead to the substantial disruption of school activities or to endanger the health or safety of students or staff;
- Which advocates the commission of an unlawful act or the violation of a school policy or regulation;
- Which advertises or advocates illegal products or services; or
- Which advocates prejudice, hatred, violence, or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, ethnicity, political affiliation, ancestry, or disability.
Responsibilities of Student Publications Faculty Co-Editor
School publications faculty co-editors shall instruct students in the Code of Ethics of the American Society of Newspaper Editors and help students to understand and follow it. Faculty members shall instruct students in correct and appropriate journalistic techniques and consult with the principal, who is the editor, on material that may violate the law or the journalism Code of Ethics. Material that may be considered controversial by some members of the school community should be carefully considered by students and the faculty editor, and brought to the attention of the principal (editor).
Responsibilities of the School Principal (Editor)
The school principal is responsible for approving all publications in accordance with School Board policy and his/her judgment and discretion.