January of 1988, the Supreme Court’s Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier decision gave school administrators broad power to censor student media. A ruling has limited student media for years. Here in Utah, this precedent still stands. Articles that are seen by administrators are cut before they ever reach readers. Too often young student journalists are censored instead of being supported. This is why The Telegraph here at Herriman High is working to pass a New Voices law in Utah. A law that would restore protections for student Journalists and ensure that they can report without any fear of retaliation from their advisors.
In Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, The Supreme Court decided that school principals can censor newspapers if they think it’s part of ‘‘Reasonably related legitimate educational concerns.’’ The case comes from a Missouri high school where the principal removed articles covering teen pregnancy and divorce rates, calling them inappropriate for students. The problem with the words ‘‘ legitimate educational concerns” and the whole Hazelwood v Kuhlmeier standard is it’s all too vague and outdated. ‘‘Reasonably related’’ can mean lots of things depending on the administration and their views. The current standard gives schools unchecked discretion and leads to censorship not rooted in educational purposes, but rooted in an attempt to avoid controversy.
Utah schools are still dealing with these standards. Stories being blocked and altered is limiting opportunities for young reporters to learn real-world journalism and exercise critical thinking. Journalism classes are designed to do more than just teach students to write. They teach leadership and decision making. Student-run newsrooms allow students to choose topics, write articles, and make editorial decisions. Teachers serve more as advisers than editors. The new voice protections ensure that real-world learning isn’t overthrown by administrative censorship. Passing a New Voices Law in Utah would restore these protections and ensure student journalists can safely report issues that matter without having their creativity crushed.
Student journalists are more than writers; they are leaders, investigators, and advocates for truth in their schools. Protecting their ability to report freely ensures Utah’s students can grow and learn while becoming active participants in their communities. Every story a student writes is a lesson in ethics and courage. Utah can choose to let those lessons flourish or they can let them be silenced. It’s time to give students the freedom to speak.
