Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: One of my classmates, a high school junior, has written a column about being tested for COVID-19. It’s well-written and informative. She talked it over with her parents and wants to use her name. Are there… Continue reading Can we run a column about a student’s experience being tested for COVID-19?
Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: I recently submitted an open records law request to my public school for budgetary information related to a time-sensitive story I’m working on. No one is disputing that the records are “public records” that must be… Continue reading Can my school deny a public records request because of COVID-19?
Q: What information does the Clery Act give me access to? A: Any college or university that accepts federal funding is required to notify the campus community when certain crimes are reported. Every school must keep an annual statistical report, a daily crime log, and make “timely reports” to the community when certain crimes are reported that… Continue reading Ask SPLC: What information does the Clery Act give me access to?
Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, our community is practicing social distancing, so school board meetings are now held via videoconference. Our administration requires anyone who wants to attend a meeting to complete a registration form, which… Continue reading Can school boards require registration to online meetings?
Q: Can we use unpublished photos on our news site or in our yearbook or reprint photos that were taken by a student who has since graduated? A: Unless there was a specific agreement between the former staff members and the publication stating otherwise, the former students retain the copyright to any work they created… Continue reading Ask SPLC: Can we use unpublished photos from a student who graduated?
Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: I’m being told the federal HIPAA law limits my ability to report on COVID-19 cases. Is this true? A: No. While HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) may limit the information a medical provider can… Continue reading Does HIPAA limit my ability to report on COVID-19 cases?
Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: Can my access to meetings be limited due to COVID-19? A: If you normally would have access to the meetings (and they continue to occur), you have a right to be present. In other words, COVID-19 cannot… Continue reading Can my access to meetings be limited due to COVID-19?
Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: Is my publication responsible for libelous quotes from third parties or libelous statements contributors make, such as in guest columns? A: In print or broadcast media, yes. If you publish it, you are taking ownership of it,… Continue reading Is my publication responsible for libelous quotes from third parties?
Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: I am trying to figure out what my school is doing to cope with COVID-19. How can I access information about their plans? A: Your school’s budget has been set since the beginning of the year. But… Continue reading How can I access information about my school’s plans to cope with COVID-19?
Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: What is libel? A: Libel is the publication of false statements of fact that seriously harm a person’s reputation. If a statement is true, it cannot be libelous, no matter how harmful it may be to the person’s… Continue reading What is libel?
