By Natalie Portnoy, Editorial Staff  ’25

“Hey! I’ll give you a quote but…can I remain anonymous? I don’t want to get in trouble.” 

“Could you write about this? Oh, wait, forget it. I don’t want writing about controversy to get you in trouble.”

“Sorry, that’s all I can say without being too political.”

“​​I’m not sure if I’ll be able to do an interview. I mean, I really care about this subject, but I also don’t want administrators and teachers to view me differently.”

When students are asked about their views on upcoming pieces being written, these are common responses to receive. It makes one wonder: Can the purpose of a student journalist truly be accomplished — to improve the school on behalf of peers and inform the student body of important issues — without “controversy”?

Many students are unaware that student journalists are legally protected by state law to voice sometimes “controversial” views in student media. The New Voices of New Jersey Act, passed in December of 2021, strengthens the First Amendment rights of student journalists and protects school employees from retribution for supporting these rights. With the support of multiple groups, including the Student Press Law Center which offers free legal assistance to anybody taking part in student journalism, students can now be courageous and pursue stories they believe should be covered.

Does this mean that students can write anything they want without restrictions? Of course not. While school officials are free to intervene when necessary to ensure the safety of their students, student journalists are not subject to harsh and unjustified censorship that has limited them for years. The law gives administrators new, precise guidelines for what they may and may not censor. Schools previously have used the criteria of “legitimate pedagogical concern” to determine censorship. This precedent was interpreted differently, though, frequently being used to justify suppression of material that simply displeased administration. New Voices addresses this by providing administrators with the right to remove only those articles that constitute libels, slander, invasions of privacy, profanity, obscene behavior, or that incite other students to the point of posing a clear and present danger.

“This legislation sends an important message: student voices matter,” says Mrs. Myones, Faculty Advisor for Drumbeats, “While we are fortunate to be part of a community and district that values student opinions, this is not the case for all students across the country. This legislation empowers students to share their ideas honestly and confidently.” In response to a question regarding the legislation’s value for Drumbeats and the entire FLOW community she adds, “Here at Indian Hills, we may have more students interested in writing op-ed pieces to express their opinions. I am also hopeful that this legislation will pique the interest of students who have previously been hesitant to join the paper. This legislation also guarantees that the entire student body will always have access to honest student writing. It ensures that our Drumbeats editors and staff writers can engage in authentic, meaningful journalistic practices that will prepare them for their futures.” Regardless of the careers they choose, Mrs. Myones says, “[…] having these experiences with real journalism equips them with the hard and soft skills needed to research, analyze information, and communicate effectively.” 

Ava Silvestri, a Drumbeats member of three years and Sports Column Editor says, “The law is important because it will allow writers, like myself, to discuss formerly censored subjects — such as mental health. This, in my opinion, will be beneficial in raising student awareness and allowing more students to speak out on significant issues.” 

Mrs. Frissora, a Faculty Advisor for Drumbreats and journalism teacher says this legislation is significant for the entire community because, “Journalists play a pivotal role in American democracy. Now, student journalists will be under much of the same fundamental freedoms and protections as professional journalists in regards to the First Amendment. Hopefully this means our school and community will have access to stories and issues that matter.” 

Students expressing their opinions on school and global issues, in a responsible and ethical manner, is a vital part of school culture and education. By empowering them and bringing awareness to this legislation, students hopefully will be more inclined to voice their views and initiate greater action to improve our district and beyond.