War Cry is a very diverse community; we are a group of people who present different beliefs and ideas. Our conversations are unlimited; everyone has the freedom and opportunity to speak their minds free of judgement. At the same time, we allow for a respectful disagreement and conversation.
So why does this openness disappear when it matters the most?
When we sit down to brainstorm and assign articles for an upcoming cycle, these innovative conversations tend to dwindle. A story idea comes up- something relevant, interesting and maybe even necessary- and then the room goes silent. The energy becomes uncomfortable. Everyone is thinking the same thing- “Is this too political?” “What are our readers going to think?” “Too risky?” “Too sensitive?”
Most of us are clear why these questions rise, we are a school newspaper after all, not CNN or ABC News. There are rules and real concerns about how a belief or words can affect others. This caution comes from care and understanding but when this caution turns into avoidance of something important, we have to ask ourselves what we are losing.
Are we becoming too afraid to publish meaningful stories? And are we the only student publication dealing with this?
A part of this hesitation is rooted in legalities. In the Hazelwood School District Vs Khulmeier (1988), the Supreme Court ruled that schools have the authority to regulate the content of school sponsored publications, as long as they are reasonably related to educational concerns. The case itself started because of subjects on teen pregnancy and divorce which some thought was inappropriate for young readers.
This case shapes how schools operate and supervision is there for a reason. Schools are evidently tasked with creating a safe environment that is age appropriate.
However, it is important to distinguish between what the law permits and what giving factual news and an education demands. Hazelwood allows regulation but it doesn’t permit silence. It doesn’t suppress ideas and therefore, schools and student journalists still make choices about how to engage readers and publish important information.
Most of us have been in journalism for a few years now, and as student journalists, we are often taught that the freedom of speech is something very absolute. You either use it or don’t. It is something that we practice every day, it needs thought, research and an awareness of the people who will read our articles. It means understanding that we can’t say what we want without consequences. We have to decide if some conversations are worth having and if some articles are worth writing, uncomfortable or not.
So why does fear often outweigh the judgement?
The question extends beyond us as journalists but goes to our generation as a whole. Social Media and propaganda has been on the rise, causing us to think that we are outspoken, informed and aware of what’s going on in the world. Yet, most are not. Everyone has the ability to shift stories and our generation struggles to respect opinions that differ from our own. Disagreement becomes harm and instead of discussion, it turns into a dismissal. Instead of being curious, one becomes defensive.
When we stop listening to each other, what happens?
Freedom of speech in a school setting is most definitely not saying whatever we want without consequences, that turns into hate and bullying, which is the last thing we want on a school campus. Freedom of speech requires intention, background knowledge and factual research. It means that standing on an opinion does not invalidate others.
Like said earlier, we have to decide if these conversations are worth having, uncomfortable or not. Avoiding this complexity is a safer route, yes, but it teaches us little.
The role of school publications is very difficult. Is it meant to inform without challenging? Reflect a majority? Or should it be a public forum where students can navigate disagreements with respect and majority.
No, this is not a call to be reckless. This is a call to action. Sensitivity matters. Accountability matters. But so does trust, and the trust in our generation to think critically and engage thoughtfully with ideas that may align to theirs, lacks.
Schools are meant to prepare students for participation in a democratic and understanding society and as a newspaper, we want to reflect that mission. Our silence may avoid conflict, but dialogue and information builds understanding.
So, should we as a publication be silenced? If we cannot model a respectful agreement now, when will we learn how?
