According to the latest statistics, there are approximately 500 school newspapers in New Jersey. Policies regarding censorship of student newspapers in New Jersey are similar to those in schools around the country.
Michael Rubright, Assistant Principal at Ramsey High School stated, "Students can express opinions, even against the administration. It's only unacceptable if it results in disruptive behavior, or it impedes other students' right to an education."
Most New Jersey schools have a journalism or newspaper advisor who edits articles for content, grammar, and appropriateness. At Passaic Valley Regional High School, Principal John Wallace explained that for his school and, he believes, for other schools as well, more responsibility is being given to the newspaper advisor.
"Our administration views the newspaper as a learning experience and trusts the judgment of the person teaching the course. Controversial issues are allowed because we know kids have a particular point of view," said Wallace.
Diane Wass, Vice Principal of Curriculum at Central High School in Trenton, said the challenge at her school is getting a more diverse perspective in the student newspaper.
"The students need to broaden their scope and see beyond the local community," Wass said.
At East Camden Middle School (grades 5 to 8), Principal Patricia Kenny maintained that the most controversial articles in the school newspaper were a survey criticizing the cafeteria food and a piece admonishing the Board of Education dress code as being too strict.
"I believe children should have the opportunity to express themselves, but often they need to learn how," Kenny said. "Teens can be critical, but they should not be crude," she said.
Wear it well
The written word is not the only thing subject to censorship. Tom Sypniewski, a student at Warren Hills Regional High School was suspended from classes in March 2001 for not removing what the school superintendent called an "offensive T-shirt." The T-shirt quoted comedian Jeff Foxworthy listing "10 Reasons Why You Might Be a Redneck Sports Fan."
Sypniewski was suspended for three days after the school board denied his appeal. The board claimed the T-shirt inflamed racial tension and prejudice on campus. Sypniewski sued the school district stating the suspension was "an infringement of his First Amendment right of free speech." A federal district court supported the school board's decision but the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled "Warren Hills Regional High School went too far in applying its racial harassment policy. The shirt did not genuinely threaten to disrupt the school," the court ruled.
In May 2003, the school district appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court but the Justices declined to hear the case. Therefore, the Third Circuit's decision stands in favor of Sypniewski. — Phyllis Raybin Emert
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