Published: February 15, 2018
Video: The Walter Cronkite New Voices Act is a piece of legislation that would protect student journalists’ right to exercise freedom of the speech and of the press in school-sponsored media. This is regardless of whether or not the school district financially supports the media or if the publication is produced as part of a class.The act is slowly making progress up the ladder and many Missouri Journalists’ are anxious and hopeful for its passing.
Aside from the opportunity to receive and exercise the constitutional rights that this bill would give back to students, there are also numerous other educational benefits that would come with it. For students that want a career in journalism, having the freedoms that go along with the bill will help prepare them for their careers by placing the responsibility of a professional publication in their hands.
Student journalism isn’t really just student journalism. It’s about finding answers to questions, pushing your boundaries to grow, and leaning on your editors along the way. It’s maintaining a strong line of communication with your administrators while receiving enough slack in between for journalistic exploration. — Camille Baker
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For students that are a part of the program for fun, the responsibility that is given to them can teach them critical skills and prepare them for any job or career that they might have. When student journalists are able to cover what they want to cover they get to start the conversation about things that matter to teenagers, they get to create hard-hitting pieces about things that students are talking about on the daily.
Giving students the opportunity to write about very real issues within our community and society causes them to take themselves and their voice seriously, something very important to young adults personal growth. This growth has been my favorite part about high school. — Isaiah Bryant
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The students that just go to the school with first amendment rights will become more informed about those subjects and have information on places they can get support and help. This information comes from the journalism program and the stories that they are creating. The passing of this bill helps the growth and support teenagers, in many different ways.
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