Posted on 03/18/2005 12:01:02 PM PST by kc8nsb
East Lansing High School Censors Student Newspaper
Distribution of independent publication prohibitted
EAST LANSING, Mich. – East Lansing High School student Tyler Whitney denounced the censorship of the Right Way, an independent conservative newspaper that students were barred from distributing.
“Our paper featured respectful opinions from well-informed and open-minded moderates, libertarians, and conservatives. It was not disruptive,” explained the Right Way’s editor Tyler Whitney. Whitney faced punishment for distributing a paper, which he considered to be a part of his constitution rights to free expression.
Before the administration halted the distribution of their publication, the writers stood in the hallway and allowed passers-by to optionally obtain their publication. School officials stopped the distribution. After reviewing the material, East Lansing Superintendent Dr. Dave Chapin denied the students their distribution rights. Dr. Chapin informed them that he considers conservative views disruptive.
“Free speech may not always be popular,” Whitney explained, “But it is a right that even high school students have.”
East Lansing High School has prohibited the distribution of underground or independent publications. The Student Press Law Center, a national non-profit foundation, reports that “Although public schools can establish reasonable restrictions as to the time, place and manner of distribution of underground publications, they cannot absolutely forbid their distribution on school grounds.”
Whitney and several others distributed the paper on Tuesday, March 15. Disciplinary action may still be pending.
Stick up for the first amendment and conservative activism!
Rock on Tyler Whitney!
What do you expect in the government controlled socialized school system, run by the NEA and its socialist members. Teachers in public schools are 95% democrats and socialists. Scum in my book. HOME SCHOOL!
Excellent!
It is important that the public schools continue to exercise unjustifiable and arbitrary authority. Otherwise, they might preserve a sliver of legitimacy.
no kiddind....next time they should just print out the Dec. of Independance in their paper.........see if that is banned too.........idiots........
Guys, don't just rant about it, call the dang school! It's not hard.
Well, I'm not sure that the school cannot block distribution on non-school-sponsored publications. Many do have such rules.
Now, here's the thing: Suppose this conservative paper gets to distribute on campus. That would instantly mean that any other student-published publication could also be distributed in the same way. Any other student-published publication. Let's see what publications might crop up:
The GLBT Times
The Pro-Choice News
Muslim Student's Gazette
The Liberal Post
The reason that some schools prohibit distribution of all student-published, but not school-sponsored publications is that, once the door is opened, any group of students can distribute whatever publications they wish.
Bump for Tyler and the First Amendment!
Since the story at "State News" that you provide the link to is a bit different from the story you posted, can you tell us who the actual author of the story you posted is? Assuming the author is Tyler Whitney, I would also then assume this is a press release. I would also be interested in an actual quote from Superintendent Dave Chapin. If he did actually say that he considers conservative views disruptive, quoting his words would seem to be an important way to back up your claims.
Superintendent David Chapin said the problems lie not in the content of the newspaper, but in the process. He said board policies require asking the principal for permission to distribute the publication and allowing him or her to review it before it is distributed...
"It needed to be reviewed," he said.
Tyler, I would like to support you in this effort, but the school does have a right to review something before it is distributed on campus. Now, if leftist views are allowed, and your POV is stopped then that is different.
But keep trying and to quote Kris Kristofferson:
Yes, I posted a press release.
In my paper I published a "Get US out of UN ad" from the john birch society. Dr. Chapin believes radical right wing organizations like the john birch society have no place in our school. Furthermore, he feels he can limit our conservative voice by requiring 20 people to form an official school sanctioned paper.
It's unfortunate that Dr. Chapin changed his views on the content when he was interviewed by the state news.
Hopefully a school would recognize that the First Amendment applies to all interest groups. Pro-choice groups have every right to print non-libelous material and distribute it in school, whether or not it is recognized by the school or the state. Yes, MineralMan, you're right - many do have such rules. Such rules are wrong and should be repealed. The First Amendment applies to Nazis and Communists as well as the rest of us. You do not protect freedom by limiting it.
The bottom line is this: Whitney has the right to publish his paper, regardless of his opinions. Be a patriot and call the school.
"Proud Ecofacist for $ 4.00 gasoline"
Done, kiddo, with the utmost respect for your efforts.
My generation will soon turn the world over to yours, and it makes an old man proud to see conservative youngsters like yourself who are willing to fight the good fight.
Keep fighting but, remember, unlike our liberal antagonists, we've learned through decades of being a being a minority party relentlessly attacked by a blathering media that the TRUTH is our most lethal weapon. Please be respectful protestors . . . but protest your asses off. LOL.
The Liberals can't figure out why the Conservative Movement is routing them. They have massive protests and cursing celebrities . . . we have dedicated, respectful citizens who know how to get things done instead of whine about things gone wrong.
Again, I'm proud of you and the rest of the youngsters at your school.
"The bottom line is this: Whitney has the right to publish his paper, regardless of his opinions. Be a patriot and call the school.
"
"non Illigitimus Carborundum"
My old Army motto !
Cheers,
knews hound
With all due respect, MineralMan (by the way, I too am a godless atheist) I just don't see the logic behind the idea that schools become intellectually strengthened places when you take away attempts at independent thought. Will people be learning less math because of a paper? I don't think so - I think they'll be thinking about politics more because of a conservative paper.
The school probably has the right to restrict what's distributed on campus if it's applied fairly.
BTW, What's the deal on The John Birch Society?
How very informative. So I guess we know what 'flavor' the instruction in THAT school is, don't we?
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