Why protecting student free expression is important
Students and advisers in states with recent freedom of expression legislation may want to inform their communities of educational rationale for the legislation. Additionally, those states working to pass such legislation might want to use the same points to gain support.
How free expression legislation provides value to:
- Students who can more effectively
— Demonstrate learning, critical thinking and decision making by applying the principles of free expression legislation
–Pursue opportunities in all aspects of journalism not available previously
–Show that principles of civic engagement practiced through journalism can make a difference their communities
–Display leadership skills that will be useful throughout their lives
–Develop a meaningful and effective voices important to themselves and society
- Advisers who can more effectively
–Help develop useful, effective and meaningful life-long learning skills in their students
–Train students to expand leadership and citizenship skills applicable to a changing society
–Express teaching concepts and issues that can empower students and enhance student experiences
— Activate enjoyable, meaningful and creative student-led learning experiences
–Build programs that continue to show the benefits of free and journalistically responsible student media
- Administrators who can more effectively
–Empower student journalists to take responsibility for all facets of their student media, practicing what they are taught
–Model journalism programs where standards guide student efforts
–Create an atmosphere where all groups learn and growth from each other
–Expand the vision of all involved in the community mission of civic engagement and social responsibility
–Enxourage student leadership who take advantage of the forum created by their media to improve school and community
- Communities who can more effectively
–Receive information that is accurate, thorough and represents diverse insights
–Collaborate with diverse age groups with diverse backgrounds in the learning process
–Experience the impact of student and citizen free expression
–Benefit from the benefits of creative and enlightened student leadership
–Contribute support so free and journalistically responsible student expression expands