Press law and the principal: I know how fortunate I am

Reflecting on the week helps me realize how lucky I am to work where I work.

I work in Kansas, a state with a student publications act. In fact, a couple of years ago we celebrated 25 years of the law, which the legislature passed in 1992. It’s one of the oldest student press laws on

the books.

Watch a cool video about Kansas student press law here.

In addition to having a law that protects my students, I work with a principal who understands it.

Chris Botts doesn’t only understand the law, he appreciates it and supports our students’ pursuit of excellent journalism.

My kids appreciate their principal so much that they awarded him with Baldy on the last day of school for safe-keeping over the summer. Baldy is a Beanie Babie that is awarded each week (mostly) to someone on staff who did outstanding work.

From our discussion on press law and ethics, and some of our conversations away from the classroom, I know that’s not the case for everyone.

Regardless of our situations, we must continue to fight the good fight. It’s just that important.