Protect free speech

Protect free speech
Contra Costa Times
Article Launched: 03/06/2008 03:05:06 AM PST


FREEDOM OF THE PRESS is essential to a free society. It is protected by the First Amendment and is the foundation of all journalism. Unfortunately, it appears that not all school administrators in California agree.
State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Mateo, has documented eight recent cases in the state in which journalism advisers were dismissed or reassigned by school officials who were upset by embarrassing or critical stories in student newspapers.

Yee was understandably disturbed by school administrators who he said "want to squash free thinking, particularly free thinking they don't agree with." He added, "That's not how you educate young people who are going to be the leaders of the next generation."

To curb the suppression of students' freedom of expression, Yee introduced Senate Bill 1370 to prohibit schools and colleges from retaliating against an employee for standing up for students' free-speech rights.

Two years ago, Lee sponsored Assembly Bill 2581, which became law. It prohibits school administrators on any public campus from disciplining a student solely on the basis of speech. But that does not stop officials from cracking down on journalism advisers and teachers, or threatening to shut down publications.

Lee's SB 1370 would protect high school as well as college journalism advisers. It is unfortunate that such legislation is needed, but it is.

Jim Ewert, legal counsel for the California Newspaper Publishers Association, was concerned about the continued pressure by school officials against advisers. It often is tantamount to censorship.

When school administrators bully advisers into backing down from controversial stories or leaving, they do a grave disservice to education. Students should be encouraged to write critical and controversial pieces without being subjected to de facto censorship, especially by education officials.

Any school administrator who takes action against a teacher or adviser who helps students think and write freely is in the wrong job.

We strongly support SB 1370 and urge its quick passage and signing by the governor.