In a recent article published February 7, by editorial columnist Bruce Ramsey for The Seattle Times, a bill in Olympia is giving student editors control over their local high school papers which will extend feedom of the press onto the students, said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Dave Upthegrove,D-Des Moines. As with most American press the freedom belongs to the person who actually owns it, leaving no power to those who may attribute to the process. This was one of the major issues surrounding the bill when put forth at a legislative hearing arranged by the Washington News Council; the opening question being: Who owns the student press? The people own it, the readers own it, the students own it were just a handful of the answers. "The school district owns it," said Eddie Reed, math specialist at the Tukwila School District. The school district being a form of government in itself raises the question of whether or not government should even be involved in the editorial process. One student said the government's form of editing is more like censorship. Yet with this bill, students will get the chance to really play the role of a journalist. And all teachers agree.
My opinion on this is, great idea. I think that the freedom of the press should be put in the hands of the student writers who make the newspaper what it is. If the paper keeps a tactful take on the news than it should not be a problem. Yet I do believe that the readers of a paper, the writers, and everyone own that press because without one you couldn't have the other. No people, no news, and no writers, no newspaper. You can view this entire article by clicking this link:http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2003559796_rams07.html
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6 comments:
Students should have control over the newspaper they work to publish. Yes, it is part of the school, which is part of the school board, which is part of the city council, but students know what their target audience wants to know about. They will make it as straightforward as possible. Most students aren't out to shock with vulgarity. They are out to inform on a mature level. Censorship and city control do not need to intrude, since it is all about the students and informing the teachers of what their students are all about, not just education. That was a big step to take towards freedom of speech in all aspects.
-Amy
Absolutely! Not only can the student relate to their readers but they can accomplish more interesting topics. I'm sure with students runnind the paper, the number of readers will increase, and after all, isn't that what the student paper is for. I wish all schools would take this same action. Give it to the the students, this is their time to shine! Students who participate in the school newspaper typically have some kind of writing career in mind, so let them write and be read! (now I sound like a protester haha)
I agree and think that students should be given the opportunity to write in the newspapers. I think that they could bring something new and intresting to the table that maybe a older person may not have. I am not saying that older people have good views and all, but students who write around that time usually have some sort of passion and love to write articles. I don't think that censorship needs to intrude either because like the article said it is going to be about the students talking to the teachers. Overall I think it is a great idea, and a great way for students to shine and show what they have.
Who is the arbiter of tact or good taste? It seems to be unanimous, students or writers in general should hold the power in publishing what they desire within a reasonable standard. Now the question becomes where should the line be drawn and what is too much freedom or is there such a thing?
Of course students should be the ones who ultimatley control the school newspaper. The topics, places of interests, common opinion and school related issues are all something that every student can relate to each other with. Who better to control what the target is, than the target!! Students know what other stuidents are concerned with, and how their concers are similar and different. What one student likes, another may dislike, but at least I beleieve thaey could come to a common agreement.
Of course students should be the ones who ultimatley control the school newspaper. The topics, places of interests, common opinion and school related issues are all something that every student can relate to each other with. Who better to control what the target is, than the target!! Students know what other stuidents are concerned with, and how their concers are similar and different. What one student likes, another may dislike, but at least I beleieve thaey could come to a common agreement.
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