Censorship and Freedom of the Press

First Amendment — Freedom of the Press
Students will visit the Student Press Law Center Web site to learn about how freedom of press affects them. They will read about their own rights as high school students as well as about censorship issues. They will then answer questions pertaining to all these topics. Following that students will then create a diagram illustrating their First Amendment rights.

Does Freedom of the Press Have the Same Meaning Today as It Did When It Was First Instituted?
As part of a high school Introduction to Journalism class, this lesson challenges students to define, in their own language, what freedom of the press means or implies. After discussion, students will create their own policy by interpreting the freedom of the press as it relates to them.

The Freedom Forum
News related to freedom of the press and freedom of speech.

Freedom of the Press
This lesson focuses on the role the press plays as a "watchdog" for the citizenry. By examining how two reporters uncovered the story behind the Watergate break-in, students see not only the benefits of a free press, but also the obstacles that can be placed in the way of reporters trying to gather information. They also gain insight into the varying perspectives of reporters, editors, publishers, and government officials.

An Introduction to the First Amendment
This lesson is designed for upper elementary and middle school.

John Peter Zenger Trial Links
Five sites that cover different aspects of the trial.

The Press & the World
Given a list of 27 countries, students choose one to research. They report on freedom of the press that country. Site includes links for research and a rubric.

The Student Press Law Center
A nonprofit organization dedicated to providing legal help and information to the student media and journalism educators.

Why Can't I Say That?
Students will explore how they may exercise their First Amendment Rights in a school setting.