Censorship

CENSORSHIP OF HIGH SCHOOL NEWSPAPERS

Topics discussed among high school students today vastly differ from discussions

that took place several generations ago. It has become very common for teens to openly discuss issues regarding teen pregnancy, AIDS, drug and alcohol use, and other topics, which are considered somewhat risky. These topics have become so familiar, that it has become common for high school journalists to attempt to write and place articles regarding these issues in their newspapers, with the intent to educate, and potentially offer support for those who have been affected by these circumstances. Whether or not these topics are appropriate to be discussed among high school students, or more importantly, published in high school newspapers, has become a concern for some school officials and parents as well. It has become an argument whether students should be given the same rights as adults, and be treated equally as adults are regarding, “freedom of speech”

Let us take the case of Hazelwood High School as an example. This case presents high school journalism students publishing a story regarding teen pregnancy and other topics that go along with pregnancy, such as teen sexuality, birth control, and abortion. Apparently, school officials found some of the information to be objectionable therefore, the principle made the executive decision to remove sections of the article without discussing it further with the journalism staff. This obviously flared emotions and through several court hearings, it resulted to landing in the hands of the Supreme Court with regards to arguing censorship in our schools. Was it fair that the principal removed sections of the high school paper without discussing further with the journalism staff? Is it appropriate for teens to attempt to write on issues of this nature when they lack experience, knowledge, and maturity? Is it fair for people of power (school officials), to have the right to restrict...