Editorial Policy
Jacket Journal Editorial Policy:
The Jacket Journal Editorial Policy pertains to all media surrounding Mount Vernon High School published on mvjacketjournal.org. Jacket Journal is the official student-produced media source for news and information. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisers may – and should coach and discuss content during the writing process, but school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of the Jacket Journal is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and those the media pertains to.
Freedom Of The Press & Editorial Control:
Jacket Journal student media operates as a forum, free from censorship and commercial influence, and is committed to accurate, ethical journalism. The student editorial staff has full authority over content decisions, with the adviser serving only as a legal and educational resource. Student journalists are protected under the First Amendment and retain the right to publish interview content unless confidentiality is explicitly agreed upon. Unprotected speech, such as libel, obscenity, and copyright violations, will not be published.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Adviser: A certified journalism teacher who mentors and guides students without exercising content control. The adviser cannot censor material unless it violates the law and must follow ethical standards set by journalism organizations.
Administration: Provides a qualified adviser, resources, and equal opportunity for student participation. They are not permitted or required to review content before publication.
Content Guidelines & Standards:
General Content: The Jacket Journal informs, entertains, and educates through fact-based, inclusive reporting. Staff will not avoid controversial issues and will present all sides fairly and accurately, with adherence to professional journalism ethics.
Profanity & Offensive Language: Unnecessary profanity will not be published. Edited quotes will be shared with the source for approval.
Outside Submissions: Original, unpublished student writing may be submitted and edited by staff for policy compliance.
Reviews: Written by knowledgeable staff, reviews reflect personal opinions and are meant to evaluate, not promote. All are subject to editorial review.
News & Features: Emphasizes school-related news and students, while including local relevance in wider topics. Coverage will be inclusive and factually accurate, even on sensitive matters.
Bylines: All work will be credited to contributors, who are held accountable for their content.
Publication Practices:
Corrections & Errors: The student staff will determine the need for corrections and how they are issued. Online changes will be noted.
Online Comments: Must include verifiable names and emails, follow publication standards, and be approved before posting. No personal attacks allowed.
Prior Review: Sources may verify quotes, but cannot edit completed stories. Staff protects anonymous sources when appropriate and honors “off the record” agreements. The adviser may review content solely for legal purposes and not for editorial changes.
Participation & Opt Out Policy:
All students and staff are eligible to be featured in the Jacket Journal. Anyone wishing to opt out must submit a form to the main office and notify the adviser. Staff will make every effort to respect opt-out requests.
