Law, Ethics and News Literacy
Through my reporting on press suppression under the Trump administration, I’ve developed a deep understanding of journalistic ethics, First Amendment law, and the essential role of a free press in a democratic society. By interviewing the Associated Press reporter, I approached the topic with a commitment to balanced, fact-based storytelling. My work emphasized not only the constitutional implications of media restrictions but also the ethical responsibility journalists carry to hold power accountable while maintaining fairness, accuracy, and integrity.
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In writing this story, I also practiced advanced news literacy by verifying claims, contextualizing political rhetoric, and spotlighting how access limitations directly impact public understanding. I understand how to distinguish bias from perspective, opinion from fact, and censorship from criticism — skills that are critical to navigating today’s complex media environment. This experience, alongside my ongoing leadership in my school’s journalism program, reflects my strong foundation in media law, ethical reporting, and responsible information analysis.
Bark Handbook
From the Bark handbook, Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District (1969) established that student speech could not be censored unless it would “materially and substantially disrupt the work and discipline of the school” or falls under exceptions like lewd, obscene, or vulgar speech, or incites violence. Even though the case between the Trump Administration and the Associated Press isn't associated with students, the Associated Press wasn't inciting violence, or using lewd, obscene, or vulgar speech. This shows that the Associated Press were wrongfully removed of their First Amendment Right of free speech and freedom of the press by the Trump Administration and its policies.