Freedom of Press for Student Papers

A piece of legislation in the Kentucky Senate could ensure that students can say whatever they want in their student publications. A western Kentucky representative is pushing the bill to protect students freedom of the press. The Daviess County High School newspaper staff covers issues from the recent budget cuts to fashion faux pas. Their paper is called the Big Red Machine and it is run as an open forum. That means the administration is hands-off. Not every school paper is run that way, but Representative Brent Yonts says it should be. Hes introduced a bill making it a law that administrators allow students to publish what they want within the law. Editor in chief of the paper Alex Wilborn says, its a great idea even though its putting students on the line, "We are open to controversy but even then we respect the administration and they respect us, we butt heads sometimes but its ok." Paper advisor Gayle Kirkland says she understands the other side of the argument, "I think its to protect the school, they have good intentions, but what I try to say is if you put the truth out there than rumor doesnt take over." She also says what makes an open forum work is holding students accountable. Staffers say newsroom organization, a hierarchy of experience and peer review is what keeps an open forum paper possible -- and more impoprtantly--responsible. Representative Yonts says the General Assembly wont get to his bill during this session. He hopes to see action when Frankfort reconvenes in February.