Too bad I missed it...Lomonte made a "gun to the head" demonstration on one of the participants to show the extent that educational leaders (i.e. principals and administrators) will go to censor high school newspapers. I was all ears and learned a great deal in this session, especially since I have had some problems with the school officials censoring the students' work. Lomonte gave practical advice and presented brow raising examples that I will definitely take back with me to share with the students when I return to school. His humor and enthusiasm brings a smile to my face even now. One topic persists throughout these sessions: make sure the students know and take full advantage of their first amendment rights!
Jenese Giles
Northeast High School
Oakland Park, Fla.
JH,
ReplyDeleteBeing old has its advantages in my newsroom. We "cover" the first amendment on day one, even before we have time for introductions, and we test that same day. Only then can I begin the more practical side of advising a newsmagazine.
I have not experienced too many censorship issues in my career, but even one would be too many. I emphasize with principals who have to take the heat from parents, superintendents and school board members, but as I remind my boss, Hey, you knew this was going to be a difficult job when you took that first administration class.
Here is one idea that you can take with you. If/When a principal digs his heels into the ground over a student publication issue, just ask what you and your staff could do so that the story would run. I wish this was my idea, but a good friend of mine says that this works every time, and the answer is usually found in one phrase or sentence.
Lamonte may be a good lawyer, but he would have made a great teacher. Agreed... excellent session.
Sam Bidleman
Bloomsburg High School
Bloomsburg, Pa.