Dexter School Board Grapples with Student Media Policy

The Dexter Community Schools Board of Education is planning to give the district’s student publications policy a major overhaul, officials said during their meeting on Monday.

The policy, which governs all student media, was called into question last year by a group of parents frustrated over content published in the student newspaper, The Squall, and its sister magazine publication, The Rostrum. Parents argued that articles addressing underage drinking and teen pregnancy are not appropriate for all students.

Board Vice President Michael Wendorf was the most vocal about the legality of regulating the student press.

“There's a framework of existing law that outlines freedom of expression,” he said. “I would like to see a policy that says the district authorizes the publication, assuming that such a publication's performance is consistent with existing laws and the freedom of the press, which is protected by federal and state laws.”

Trustee Julie Schumaker said she feels the district should have more oversight on content published on the Internet.

“If you put something on the Web, you have no control over who gets it, and people’s images and quotes can be shared worldwide,” she said. “We have a duty to supervise, educate and protect the students who are entrusted in our care.”

The board is currently reviewing bylaws and policies of neighboring school districts as well as four policies drafted by the Northeast Ohio Learning Association that establishes guidelines for student media. The policies range from extremely restrictive to limited public forum.

Parent Barbara Reed said she would like the school board to clarify its guidelines for profanity, nudity and obscenity, among others.

“The school board has a responsibility to all students, so therefore, you have to ask yourselves, will something you allow to be published harm a 13-year old?” she said. “There seems to be a reluctance to draw the line.”

Reed alleged that previous articles in The Squall bullied and embarrassed other students.

Journalism adviser Rod Satterthwaite told the board that all articles go through a rigorous planning and editing process with seven editors, including himself. In addition, all editors attend a workshop at the beginning of the year to revise the newspaper’s bylaws and code of ethics.

“We’ve involved many voices in the process,” Sattherwaite said. “We’ve added section editors and managing editors to give us an extra set of eyes before a story goes to print.”

Board President Larry Cobler recommended holding another policy meeting that will allow community members to weigh in on the issue. No date was announced.