1. Developing an editorial
policy
No matter what platform you use, the choice
of an editorial policy can make or break your
publication(s) – and consistency is highly
recommended. What you select, and why,
does make a difference

2. Consider this policy:
―XXXX is created by the XXXX City Schools and
published under the auspices of the Board of
Education. XXXX is a curriculum taken for
academic credit and has educational purposes
as a regular classroom activity. No material shall
be considered for publication that is libelous,
obscene, profane, biased, prejudiced, unsuitable
for its readers, or that defames character,
encourages violation of laws or would cause
disruption or material interference with the
orderly operation and discipline of the school.‖

3. Key words to note
―XXXX is created by the XXXX City Schools and
published under the auspices of the Board of
Education. XXXX is a curriculum taken for
academic credit and has educational
purposes as a regular classroom activity. No
material shall be considered for publication that
is libelous, obscene, profane, biased,
prejudiced, unsuitable for its readers, or that
defames character, encourages violation of laws
or would cause disruption or material
interference with the orderly operation and
discipline of the school.‖

4. Additional issues?
The principal has the responsibility to monitor student
verbal and written expression. Students who violate
the standards for verbal and written expression will
be subject to corrective action or discipline.
The student publications instructor or adviser has the
primary authority for supervising student publications
and to see that the provisions incorporated into this
policy and regulation are met and will, if necessary,
edit, remove, or revise the content to ensure
compliance therewith or for any other valid
pedagogical reason.

5. What should a solid policy
include:
First, note that all policies, no matter the
platform, should be consistent in wording and
intent.
Several models exist and each have plusses and
minuses. More on that soon.
All no matter their source, should be precisely
worded policies that protect all parties – as well
as protect student freedoms and encourage
journalistic responsibility.

6. Our recommendations:
• Statement of mission and journalistic principles
• Statement of forum status/prior review
• Role of the publication/media
• Role of the adviser/school system
• Rights and responsibilities of the student staff
• Who makes final decisions of all content
• Letters to the editor, advertisement policy, how to
handle death reporting, use of others’ images,
photo-manipulation
• Comments policy, takedown policy

7. What do we mean by a
forum?Closed forum
Limited forum
Designated open forum for student expression
Forums by policy/forums by practice
Do you know which type you are – and why?
Why is the designation important?
Hint: 2nd Circuit decision—Ithaca; Seattle; Dean and
Lange
New rule: ―designated public forum‖ & state clearly
that ―students make all final decisions of content‖

8. Takedown policy
Leave everything as is, if: the request is
designed to avoid embarrassment, image; truth;
credibility; no factual issue; historical record must
be maintained based on your mission.
Publish corrections, retractions or updates, if:
info is factually or legally deficient when
published; transparency of source inaccuracy;
provide context and perspective; clarify or
update; gray area solved by compromise.
Take down information, if: info is fabricated; to
protect sources; one-time reasons.

9. Models to build from:
JEA Model Guidelines
http://jeasprc.org/wp-
content/uploads/2009/10/jeamodeleditpolicy-2013.pdf
JEA Digital Model Guidelines
http://www.jeadigitalmedia.org/2011/07/11/schools-
should-consider-collapsing-multiple-editorial-policies-
into-one-media-policy/
SPLC Model Guidelines
http://www.splc.org/knowyourrights/legalresearch.asp
?id=6
Each has plusses and minuses

10. Your roles might be
changing8 new functions for journalism
Authenticator
Sense maker
Investigator
Witness bearer
Empowerer
Smart aggregator
Forum organizer
Role model

11. Wording to avoid:
“When questions
of good taste arise,
or those which
surpass social
norms of good taste
and decency, they
shall be resolved in
consultation with
the involved
reporter(s), the
managing editor,
the executive editor
and the advisers.”
“material not
generally
acceptable
to this
community”
or “significant
minority or the
majority of the
community.”
“To create a
wholesome
school spirit
and to support
the best
traditions of the
school;
“ The XXXXXX adviser and/or
editors have the right to deny
publication of any editorial,
column, review, or comment.”
Wording like
publication is “ an
open forum” but
superintendent has
final say, etc
Develop acceptable methods for
preserving the constitutional provision
for free speech.”
“material that endorses any
candidate for public office or
takes a political stand on any
issue.”
To promote and
encourage school-
sponsored activities;
• To serve as public
relations media
To promote cooperation among
taxpayers, parents, the school and
its students

12. Adviser Code of Ethics
• Model standards of professional journalistic conduct to
students, administrators and others
• Empower students to make decisions of style, structure
and content by creating a learning atmosphere where
students will actively practice critical thinking and
decision making
• Encourage students to seek out points of view and to
explore a variety of information sources in their decision
making
• Support and defend a free, robust and active forum for
student expression without prior review or restraint
• Emphasize the importance of accuracy, balance and
clarity in all aspects of news gathering and reporting

13. Adviser Code of Ethics
• Show trust in students as they carry out their
responsibilities by encouraging and supporting them in a
caring, learning environment
• Remain informed on press rights and responsibilities
• Advise, not act as censors or decisions makers
• Display professional and personal integrity in situations
which might be construed as potential conflicts of
interest
• Support free expression for others in local and larger
communities
• Model effective communications skills by continuously
updating knowledge of media education