Pa. board leaves anti-censorship rule in place for high school newspapers

By The Associated Press

05.17.02

Printer-friendly page

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A state education committee has left in place a rule protecting high school newspapers from censorship by school administrators.

A committee of the Council of Basic Education on May 15 rejected a proposal that would have made it easier for school administrators to restrict distribution of school newspapers based on content critical of school policy.

The current rules, reaffirmed by the board, give administrators the right to stop publication of material that is threatening, promotes illegal activity or interferes with the school or community. But the proposed change would have eliminated the rule that states: "School officials may not censor or restrict material simply because it is critical of the school or its administration."

The Pennsylvania School Press Association and the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association had criticized the proposal, saying it could limit the First Amendment rights of students.

"We want to emphasize that the decision allows a win-win situation to continue," said George Taylor, director of the Pennsylvania School Press Association and an editor with The Times News in Lehighton.

"Administrators win because they have specific guidelines to follow when reviewing student publications. Students win because specific responsibilities are spelled out for them," he said.

Edith Isacke, chairwoman of the committee, said the vote was based on public feedback regarding the rules.

"It's proof we do listen to what people say," Isacke said.

Previous

Pennsylvania high school journalists, allies fear regulation changes
State education officials say proposed revisions won't mean more censorship, instead are intended to streamline current rules.  01.12.02