AP 5991 Student Publications
References:
None
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
Student publications and the student press are valuable aids in establishing and maintaining an atmosphere of free and responsible discussion and intellectual exploration at the College. These are ways to bring student concerns to the attention of the faculty and college authorities and of formulating student opinion on various issues in the College, its community, and the world-at-large.
RCC is legally the publisher of all recognized student publications. College authorities, in consultation with students, may provide written clarification of the role of student publications, standards used in evaluation, and degrees of operational control. At the same time, the editorial freedom granted by the College to student editors and managers entails accompanying responsibilities to be covered by the canons of responsible journalism, such as the avoidance of libel, indecency, undocumented allegations, attacks on personal integrity and the techniques of harassment and innuendo. The Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists, Sigma Delta Chi shall be adopted and used. College staff advisors have the responsibility to review copy to protect RCC from legal actions relating to obscenity, criminal or civil libel, or copyright infringement.
In addition to the rights contained in current student publication guidelines, the following provisions serve as safeguards for the editorial freedom and responsibility of student publications:
7.1. Censorship
Student publications and the student press are free from censorship and advance approval of copy except staff advisor review as noted above. Student editors and managers, in consultation with their advisors, should develop written procedures for editorials and news coverage.7.2. Removal
Student editors and managers of student publications are protected from arbitrary suspension and removal because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of editorial policy or content.7.3. Disclaimer
RCC recognized student publications shall explicitly state on the editorial page “the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the College, employees, Associated Student Government of Rogue Community College, or the student body.”
Rescinds Procedure Number: Section 7 of AP 5999
Adopted: May 2, 2023