J-Ideas teams with McCormick Tribune Foundation;
event attracts Chicago-area advisers, students, administrators

Photos by Randy Swikle, slideshow production by Gerry Appel, story by Megan Chance

Principals, administrators, journalism advisers and students discussed the First Amendment at The Scholastic Partnership For The First Amendment seminar in Chicago on Feb. 26. The seminar, presented by J-Ideas - along with the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum- brought teams from nine high schools across the Chicago area to discuss student media and the First Amendment at the Freedom Museum on Michigan Avenue.

The program began with opening remarks from Shawn Healy, the McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum’s resident scholar. The seminar was taught by Warren Watson; director of J-Ideas, Linda Putney; executive director of the Journalism Education Association and Randy Swikle; a former journalism advisor. The three discussed scholastic journalism, partnerships and First Amendment awareness in public schools.

Many participants agreed a highlight of the day were multiple case studies discussed by the group.

“The seminar was unique because we were not just preaching to the choir, by involving principals and administrators we were able to get everyone talking and that’s what’s important,” Angela Thomas, assistant director of J-Ideas, said.

When students and media advisers work cohesively with principals it will help create a better First Amendment atmosphere in the public school setting. The Scholastic Partnership For The First Amendment facilitated multiple discussions of ways to encourage openness for ideas as well as to help the First Amendment thrive within the schoolhouse gates.

The Scholastic Partnership For The First Amendment was a successful revival of two seminars given in 2005.

“Yes, we succeeded in facilitating conversations between students, administrators and advisors,” Watson, said.