Originally published Thursday, February 1, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Editorial
Young journalists, meet your editors
A bill in Olympia that would strip high-school and college educators of the ability to make editorial decisions in school newspapers goes...
A bill in Olympia that would strip high-school and college educators of the ability to make editorial decisions in school newspapers goes too far to correct a problem that could be solved collaboratively.
The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Dave Upthegrove, D-Des Moines, is intended to counteract a 1988 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said administrators have the right to exercise editorial judgment over school-affiliated publications if they could demonstrate an educational reason for doing so. True, the ruling, like many, can be interpreted for abuse. The problem with Upthegrove's bill is that it almost completely takes the educators out of the process — a process that is rooted in the classroom. Journalism teachers would still be allowed to teach grammar and all the basics needed to become a journalist, but the bill denies them the ability to truly teach essential journalistic intangibles such as editorial judgment.
It is unfortunate when administrators do abuse their position. Principals should not spike stories because they are uncomfortable with factual reporting. Administrators need to understand that it is not the job of the journalist — student or professional — to paint a perfect picture of a school or community. The truth can be ugly, but an ugly truth is better than pretty silence.
The bill could be constructive with some tweaks that provide more balance. A good compromise would allow the teacher or adviser to have the final say before going to press.
Another idea to ensure that principals are not abusing their positions is education. Jerry Bender, of the Association of Washington School Principals, floated a great idea during a hearing on the bill. Bender suggested that principals attend workshops with journalists to learn about how journalism works and how editorial decisions are made.
A sound idea, and a much better place to start than severely curtailing the job of educators.
The daily life of a journalist and editor is one of give and take. The best journalists become so by a constant head-butting collaboration with editors. Student journalists would be well-served by learning to collaborate with superiors rather than bypassing them.
Copyright © The Seattle Times Company
Leonard Pitts Jr. / Syndicated columnist: A tragic clash of cultures

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- U.S. House passes health plan
369 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
250 - Decision day for health care in the House
216 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
161 - Grading the game
158 - How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
87 - Sounders FC-Dynamo playoff Game 2 thread
81 - Game thread: Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks, Nov. 8
74 - Beavers open as 10-point favorites against Huskies
72 - Fort Hood shooting suspect had shown troubling signs
71
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- 10 investing missteps to avoid
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- How do innovators think?
- Tlingit heritage helps glass artist Preston Singletary break new ground
- Danny Westneat | Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor





