| Ethics and Responsibilities of the
Simulacrum Yearbook and The Cougar Courier Newspaper:
Student Rights:
"The Journalism Education Association upholds the right of students to
exercise their freedom of expression as guaranteed by the First
Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, whether that be in
the form of broadcast or printed media. Student journalists have
the right to report on and editorialize about all topics, events, or
issues as they affect or interest the school and community.
However, students have the same legal obligations as professional
journalists. Students must regrain from publishing material that
is obscene or libelous according to current legal definitions.
Students must not publish material that creates a clear and present
danger of the immediate material and substantial physical disruption of
the school, is an invasion of privacy, according to current legal
standards, and that advertises illegal products or services as currently
defined by legal definitions." (Law of the Student Press, Page
225)
Adviser Responsibilities:
"The adviser is above all a role model. The adviser should
encourage the student media to adhere to and publicize an organizational
code of ethics; and ensure that neither the medium, its staff nor the
adviser enter into situations which would jeopardize the public's trust
in and reliance on the medium as a fair and balanced source of news
analysis. The adviser, in the role of professional, must ensure
that he/she gain the skills and education required to teach all aspects
of the media he/she advises. Advisers to student media must
demonstrate a firm dedication to accuracy, fairness, facts and honesty
in all content of the media." (Law of the Studfent Press, Page
219)
Ethical Journalism:
"For journalists, ethical journalism is standards that guide a person in
the pursuit of truth and newsgathering process. Organized into a
code, journalism ethics reflect journalism's mission in society,
personal morality, and existing m edia law." (Scholastic Journalism
Ninth Edition, Page 334)
Each student in the
publication's class will receive a packet with detailed responsibilities
of ethical journalism which must be followed as long as they are a staff
member of the yearbook and newspaper.
First Amendment to The United States
Constitution:
Congress shall
make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the
press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition
the government for a redress of grievances.
*The First Amendment to the United States Constitution (Law of
the Student Press, Page 9)
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