Editorial: Free speech is here
The tragic deaths of two American journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotlott, who were kidnapped and executed while reporting in Syria, haunt the minds of all reporters, professional and amateur alike. No matter how often such events occur, it is impossible to become accustomed to the victimization of reporters, considering that the occupation of journalism serves to report the trials of victims. Even in our own country, more than a dozen journalists were arrested during protesting in Ferguson, MO. The scarcity of complete free speech and press in the world is a stark contrast to the rights that exist here in this country and even in this school. For high school students, one law in particular protects those rights.
Education Code 48907, amended in 1977, provides an addition to the first amendment of free speech, designed specifically for high schoolers in California public and charter schools. The law shields school newspapers from the censorship of administration and staff. It mandates that no one is permitted to censor publications of high school newspapers, unless the content is “obscene, libelous, or slanderous,” as written in the California Education Code Section: 48907. The law also specifies other exceptions for student publications, which includes content that puts students in danger or encourages them to commit unlawful acts. Nevertheless, while abiding by school district policy, the content of school publications rests solely in the hands of the editors.
This code does not end with the newspaper. It protects multiple forms of student expression under the same regulations, including the distribution of fliers, the wearing of various clothing, and the use of bulletin boards. This provides for more freedom than a club day sign or a newspaper article, but rather as a platform for the voices of high school students.
Every high schooler is required to take history before graduation, but we scarcely apply our knowledge. Education Code 48907 has been in effect since the appearance of armbands supporting peace during the Vietnam War, and it is not a new addition to our textbooks. Nevertheless, students seldom realize that this code still exists and applies to such things as “I <3 Boobies” bracelets and OBEY t-shirts.
Although their statements go without much notice, administrators sometimes remind us that, “the black boxes are yours.” The next time you see the boxes that line our hallways, don’t think of them as composed of black paint. Look at that black box and know that the blackness is only a mirage of more than two thousand tiny little names all scrunched together signifying ownership. There is the possibility to say anything.
These are the students’ rights. Use them, because you can, and if you observe what’s happening around the world, you’ll notice there are too few that have the same opportunity. The black box is waiting.
