In late 1987, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Byron R. White circulated a draft opinion to his colleagues in a case about whether high school journalists had the right to be free of interference from school administrators. His opinion in the case, "Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier," sided with Missouri administrators who some four years…

Reviews court litigation and pending cases where the First Amendment rights of high school journalism publications advisors were involved, concluding that students have fared better in court than their advisors. (RB)

Reviews recent Federal and Supreme Court decisions and pending cases on freedom of the press and influences of the First Amendment on high school journalism. (RB)

Provides arguments and evidence that the student press, legally, has the right to operate freely, with only the same restrictions that apply to the professional media. (HOD)

Recommends that schools consider adopting publication guidelines to help students exercise tact and restraint with regard to their First Amendment rights. Suggests that guidelines can channel enthusiasm and help clarify the limits of expression in a way that will not stifle ideas or cripple thought. (MS)

To minimize antagonism and enhance the educational process, schools should consider adopting student publications guidelines that clearly outline the legal parameters of protected expression, the system for regulating speech, and procedures for administrative policies. (MLH)

Reviews the "Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier" U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding a principal's right to censor the content of a school-sponsored student publication. Explains why teachers oppose this decision, discusses liability issues, and argues for a free, uncensored student press. Includes eight legal references. (MLH)

Many "student-written" newspapers are actually products of heavy faculty and/or administrative control. Advocates for student press rights should acknowledge administrators' concerns for a safe, orderly environment. Administrators must acknowledge their failure to support secondary students' First Amendment rights. Many administrators…

A study examined the opinions of high school principals and advisers regarding a free student press and adviser role to determine whether opinions and practices had changed since the Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier decision. A survey was sent to both the newspaper adviser and the principal at 531 schools throughout the United States during the spring…

Advocates showing by example the principles of the First Amendment by curbing censorship of student publications to better prepare students to function as journalists and as informed citizens. (HTH)

The milestone decision ("Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District") limiting school authorities' restraints on student speech, does not apply to curriculum-related newspaper. In "Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988), the Supreme Court upheld as constitutional the principal's censorship of a high school…

This outline of a model student publications code is offered as a sample on which local districts can model a Publications Code of their own. The outline begins with a Preamble which explains First Amendment rights and student rights. It continues with the following sections: I. Statement of Policy; II. Protected Speech; III. Official Student…