SPLC: School district censorship, New Voices legislation

In a western Chicago suburb, Naperville Central High School journalism students sought a story about classroom disruptions potentially harmful to both students and teachers. The Central Times’ editorial board comprised of 15 students published a story only to have nearly a quarter of the article censored by administration pre-publication according to an article by the Student Press Law Center. Administration claimed that the student causing disruptions maintained a right to privacy.

However, Illinois passed a New Voices law in 2016. Under this legislation, the key defense to right to privacy claims lies in newsworthiness. SPLC senior legal counsel Mike Hiestand pointed out the student’s actions created a buzz in the community and remain widely known among parents, some of whom have contacted the school. Some actions also potentially constitute crime, which extend the story beyond the confines of school walls.

The story comes at a time when New Voices legislation to protect scholastic press freedom permeates the national scene. By February 2019, 11 states had already introduced New Voices bills (though some failed to move beyond committee review).

Read more about The Central Times’ struggle and their implications for high school press on SPLC.org.