Law, Ethics & News Literacy

In small town Augusta, we do not have many run-ins with the law, protests breaking out in town, or many situations where we have to stand our ground. However, this does not mean we should not be prepared if a situation were to arise.

Any time something occurs where a decision has to be made, such as if a story should be written or a source should be used, I make a decision only after talking to my advisor, Ms. Barker, and the reporter involved, if any. After a decision has been made, I make a point to talk to the staff about the reasons behind it and I like to receive their input so that they can ask questions.

“The liberty of the press in student publications shall be protected.”

In 1992, the Kansas Student Publications Act was passed. Without the fight of Hazelwood vs. Kuhlmeier, Tinker vs. Des Moines and so many more, I would not have the rights and freedoms I have today as a student journalist. As an American citizen, the first amendment gives me freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to assemble and freedom to petition. The first amendment created a culture of free expression for myself and my peers, and for that I am so grateful, but those rights and freedoms are not forgotten when I walk into Augusta High School. In fact, they are stronger than ever.

Because of the Kansas Student Publications Act, I do not have to worry about anyone attempting to censor the voice of my reporters.

Because of the Kansas Student Publications Act, I as the editor have the sole power to decide what we publish, not to be influenced by the school administration.

Because of the Kansas Student Publications Act, I do not fear toeing the line of controversy.

Because of the Kansas Student Publications Act, my adviser is free to teach us about our rights and encourage free expression.

Because of the Kansas Student Publications Act, I am able to do my job as a reporter.

Editorial Policy at Augusta High School

The Editorial Policy decides the rules of the publication. It relates to all decisions regarding The Oriole.

Freedom of the Press

- The Oriole will serve the best interest of the students and faculty of Augusta High School, keeping itself free from any commercial obligations distracting from this purpose;
- Only the editor may prevent material he/she judges to be in violation of the media editorial policy, from being printed;
- The Oriole will resist attempts at censorship, particularly pre-publication censorship;
- The Oriole retains the right to publish any and all material attained through interviews by any member of the publication staff, holding that the interviewee was made aware that the information could be published;
- Student journalists are protected by and bound to the principles of the First Amendment, and the Kansas Student Publications Act;

- The Oriole will not publish any material determined by student editors to be unprotected, that is, material that is libelous, slanderous, obscene, materially disruptive of the school process, an unwarranted invasion of
privacy, a violation of copyright or a promotion of products or services illegal to minors as defined by state or federal law;
- When questions of legality arise, student editors will contact
lawyers at the Student Press Law Center.

Prior Review Policy

- Sources can have quotes read back at the time of interview or at reporter’s initiative.
- Sources cannot demand to read the reporter’s completed story before it is printed.
- Reporters will include the name and identity of all sources if reporter believes that doing so will not result in endangerment, harassment or any other form of undue physical, mental, emotional anguish for the source.
- The Oriole will not be reviewed by anyone outside of the staff and adviser prior to its release to the public.

- The adviser is allowed to review the publication, but not required to, for the sole purpose of acting as legal consultant and educator in terms of unprotected speech; the adviser reading content is not considered
prior review unless he/she makes changes or directs changes.

Content Decisions

- The Editor-in-Chief is ultimately responsible for deciding what content is posted by The Oriole.
- The Adviser may caution, act as legal consultant and educator in terms of unprotected speech, but has no power to censor or veto material except for legally valid reasons.
- The Building Administration will not view and approve publication content before publishing, and will talk with the adviser about any concerns related to The Oriole

Policies at Augusta High School

These policies protain to specific situations we deal with frequently and the written plan for how we react.

Rude comment on social media

Each comment will require a different decision. If the post itself has nothing wrong with it, I will personally talk to the commenter and figure out why they are upset. In one specific case, I had to talk to the bowling coach who had commented on a Twitter post featuring photos from the winter sports pep assembly because she was upset that bowling was not mentioned in the assembly. When I spoke to her, she informed me the comment was not directed at us, but the administration and our post was just the platform for her anger.

Incorrect information posted on social media

We will post a corrected version, own the fact that we made a mistake and apologize for the error. We will also delete the old post so there will be no confusion

Should a source be granted anonymity?

If the story has information that can put a source in legal trouble, it must be decided how important they are to the story. The reporter writing the story will discuss with the Editor who the source is and why they are relevant. If the Editor deems it the correct decision, a source will be granted anonymity. The only people who will know the identify of the source are the reporter writing and the Editor-in-Chief.

Should a story be written?

A story idea will be determined by the topic, angle, sources, relevancy and timeliness. If there is not enough information to write it, it is not timely, relevant to readers, or there is not enough sources, the story will not be written.

Is this the right source for this story?

A source is determined by the amount of times they have been used in the past, their relevancy to the story, and the information they have to offer. A source who cannot tell us or readers more about the topic of the story will not be helpful when writing. We also try to not use the same people repeatedly. After they have been used twice, they are no longer allowed to be interviewed in a story unless it is absolutley vital.

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