Illinois JEA

Journalism students from throughout Illinois stand with Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) in Springfield on April 6. The bill to protect student journalists free speech rights was unanimously voted through committee that day.

Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act moves on to Illinois House

By Amanda Bright, IJEA Co-Secretary and Region 5 Board Member April 7, 2016

Scholastic journalism in Illinois scored a victory on April 6 as House Bill 5902, the Speech Rights of Student Journalists Act, was passed by the bipartisan Judiciary-Civil Committee by a vote of 11-0. The...

Free Speech

When schools take free speech seriously, so do students

By Randy Swikle, IJEA Board Member October 23, 2015
That's what Randy Swikle learned during his 25 years at Johnsburg High School. Sure, free speech is risky, but when a school builds a culture of trust, students show time and again that they'll live up to the responsibilities they're given.
Who better to celebrate Free Speech Week than journalism teachers and advisers?

Who better to celebrate Free Speech Week than journalism teachers and advisers?

By Sally Renaud, IJEA Executive Director October 21, 2015
Thanks to their time in student media, many young people learn firsthand the true power of free expression: how to communicate with strength, passion and logical rigor.
A screenshot of the headline and graphic of The Wilson Beacons editorial against prior review as it appeared online Aug. 31, 2015. Graphic by Ellice Ellis of The Wilson Beacon.

Students land a blow against prior review

By Dave Porreca, IJEA Website Editor August 31, 2015
On the first day of school the new principal of Woodrow Wilson High in Washington, D.C., instituted a policy of prior review for the school newspaper. The students pushed back, and the result was heartening for all who care about a free and responsible student press.
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