The lack of censorship at UAHS gives writing freedom to Arlingtonian
By Jane Eskildsen, ’15
In a world where someone controls everything we say and everything we think. A world where people have lost their right to have an opinion, is a world sadly that we live in. This is in our first amendment right; the freedom of speech.
Amongst other schools throughout the country, UAHS compares highly. Through Arlingtonian, writers are allowed to express themselves however they please. But not all schools are as fortunate. Most school papers are restricted by prior review. Their stories that express controversial opinions won’t make the cut; that’s censorship.
With new leadership at UAHS, students wonder what changes will be made. For the staff of Arlingtonian, fear of censorship is not as eminent.
Arlingtonian is always careful to respect the audience’s opinions. The staff tries to use unbiased journalistic writing by covering stories that are relevant to the community. Knowing that students, teachers, and parents will all be reading the newsmagazine, it is vital that the staff is careful with the freedom that they are given.
The staff of Arlingtonian has much freedom to write. With this freedom, each writer strives to choose topics that are both controversial, non-offensive and overall enjoyable to read.
Arlingtonian has covered stories ranging from drug use to human trafficking to gun laws across the nation. With controversial topics like these, writers must be careful not to offend any readers. The staff also takes pride in informing the public without any bias.
Many schools’ student-run newspapers are restricted by prior review, meaning someone else will decide if a story will run. With prior review, students’ can loose their indepence as writers. Students may also think that their writing has no value which gives them less reason to continue telling the news.
Censorship doesn’t allow free expression and may even give students the belief that someone else will always make the final decision for them.
The writers on Arlingtonian are given a great privelage by not being subject to prior review and censorship. The staff is not dependent on the administration to tell them what to write and not to write. With this independency comes great responsibility of choosing stories that are controversial yet informative.
In order to maintain the freedom, the staff must be respectful of the audience and use sound journalism to inform students, teachers and parents.
If the freedom isn’t handled with care, free expression and Arlingtonian’s independence could be at stake.