WAVE TV editors demand student media policy to protect journalistic rights

In a recent meeting of the Dorchester School District Two Board, a passionate plea from a student journalist highlighted a pressing issue regarding the rights of student-led media. As the soft glow of the meeting room illuminated the faces of board members, the voice of a lead editor from WAVE TV, Somerville High School's weekly news show, resonated with urgency and conviction.

The student, accompanied by two peers, brought to light the absence of a formal policy governing student media within the district. This gap has left student journalists vulnerable to administrative control and censorship, a concern that has been felt deeply within their program. "We are entirely student-led and student-created and should be treated as such," the editor asserted, emphasizing the need for autonomy in their reporting.

The discussion took a serious turn as the student recounted a recent incident involving a tragic hunting accident on the Sawmill Branch Trail. Two WAVE TV students covered the story, focusing solely on safety and proper hunting procedures. However, following the broadcast, their advisor faced administrative pushback, being instructed to avoid coverage of violence or crime—topics that dominate the news landscape. This directive raised alarms about constitutional rights, specifically referencing the landmark case Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, which addresses student free speech.

The student journalist urged the board to establish a clear policy that would classify WAVE TV and other student publications as limited public forums. "Our integrity and our rights as students, journalists, and American citizens are being hampered," they stated, calling for protections that would allow student media to thrive without fear of censorship.

The conversation also touched on the growth of student-run media programs in the district, such as the Nightly News at Rawlings Middle School and a sports media initiative at Fort Dorchester. The editor argued that a formal policy would not only safeguard their rights but also enrich the educational experience for all students involved in journalism.

As the meeting concluded, the board was left with a compelling call to action: to recognize and support the vital role of student media in fostering informed and engaged citizens. The future of student journalism in Dorchester School District Two hangs in the balance, awaiting a decision that could empower young voices and uphold their constitutional rights.