Student journalists and their advisers in Arlington Heights-based Township High School District 214 have voiced concern that a statement added to the district’s academic handbook could be a step toward censorship of student publications.
At a meeting Thursday, school board members approved the handbook without discussion, including language that allows student publications to be reviewed by district staff. The language was intended to clarify the district’s position that student publications are “limited open forums,” which, under U.S. Supreme Court decisions, allows for editorial review.
Some students and advisers raised concerns that the language would allow administrators to censor school newspapers. But Miriam Cooper, school board vice president, said policies have not changed.
“It’s not intended to censor anybody,” she said afterward. “It’s been our policy. We just decided it needed to be in the handbook.”
