Publicity concerning school censorship too often centers on the clumsy, heavy-handed, and overt efforts of school administrators or other impact parties to control student speech or publications. In this article, the author contends that such obvious and oftentimes inept attempts at controlling student communication represent only the tip of the…

States that it is difficult to summarize the numerous articles that have been written over the years examining the responsibilities unique to the role assumed by secondary school student publication advisers. Cautions against confusing law with ethics by providing basic definitions of the two terms. Describes the importance of doing stories for…

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…

Argues that student publication advisors should continue building a body of knowledge, establishing ethical and performance standards, and insisting on advisor autonomy from school administrators. (RS)

Discusses the importance of a school public relations program and shows how the student newspaper can aid in meeting school public relations objectives. (GW)

Considers the importance of developing a well constructed publications policy and notes that a carefully designed policy will provide some mechanism for addressing questions regarding the inevitable conflicts that will arise when students express a desire to publish certain controversial material. (SC)

Explains the justified concern over the communication of "truth" in the media. Argues that journalism students need to understand that there can be a critically important difference between what they have a right to publish and what they should publish. Explores various answers to this and other ethical questions, and the ramifications…

Presents the results of a survey that shows the difference between how school administrators and school newspaper advisors view First Amendment issues. Finds that advisers are fully supportive of presenting possibly controversial material whereas administrators are primarily concerned with maintaining a safe environment. (PA)

Argues that too often public schools appear to focus on keeping order and giving students minimal vocational skills. Maintains that such schools should get out of the newspaper business rather than inculcate students with false conceptions as to what freedom of speech and press encompass--and what it means to be a responsible citizen in a…

Argues that a commitment to supporting student First Amendment rights can and should be a primary educational goal, helping to instill in students an appreciation for responsible citizenship in a pluralistic society. Discusses definitions of "obscene,""vulgar," and "indecent," and how a school should respond to situations involving charges that…

Reports on a survey of high school newspaper advisers' attitudes toward student press rights and the adviser's role, indicating that most support a free and independent press, but, unlike college advisers, high school advisers were neutral concerning faculty/administration control where a potentially damaging article was concerned. (HTH)