Kirkwood High School unveiled its new journalism wing in August, part of a $2.8 million renovation that also includes upgrades for the band and Alternatives Toward Learning and Success program.
The Kirkwood Call student newspaper and Pioneer yearbook newsroom has 40 Mac computers, a conference room, and an editor's office. The more-than-8,000-square-foot space also has broadcast and portrait studios, as well as a renovated 110-seat lecture room.
Both publications have been nationally acclaimed, dating back to the 1970s, under the guidance of Homer Hall. A champion of high-school journalism and First Amendment rights, Hall stood by students and their stories when controversial stories drew the ire of parents, the school board, or administrators.
So it may come as no surprise that the Call and Pioneer staffs are leading a campaign of support for the beleaguered staff and adviser of The Playwickian, the student newspaper at Neshaminy High School in Pennsylvania.
Last fall, the Playwickian staff edited a letter to the editor that used the school’s mascot name—the Redskins—several times. Dashes replaced letters after the first ‘R.’
Principal Ron McGee, who apparently reviews the newspaper before it is published, told the staff to either print the name in full or to not publish a newspaper. Students met to decide the newspaper’s fate and adviser Tara Huber, the reigning Journalism Teacher of the Year for the Pennsylvania School Press Association, left the room as they came to a dramatic decision. The newspaper was sent to press without the use of the word Redskins in the letter.
"We all decided unanimously that we’re going to send the paper to print the way that we feel comfortable sending the paper to print,” Buffardi told the Student Press Law Center.
Earlier this month, almost a year since the issue was published, Superintendent Robert Copeland suspended Huber for two days without pay. Playwickian editor Gillian McGoldrick was suspended from her position for a month. And $1,200 was withdrawn from the newspaper’s funds.
The Call and Pioneer staffs have sent a letter to Neshaminy administrators that strongly criticizes actions taken against Huber and the newspaper staff. “While it may be your opinion that it is necessary for the Playwickian staff to use the word “Redskins” in their publication, it is appalling that you are attempting to force them to use a phrase they find offensive. It is appalling you have chosen to ignore [the] Supreme Court and it is even more disgusting that you suspended Ms. Huber...for doing her job: that of supporting her students.
“Besides the obvious constitutional and judicial precedent infringements, this issue comes down to a matter of character and ethics," the letter continues. "What example does it set for the rest of your student body and community if you punish students for standing up against something they have found offensive?”
The staffs of the Call and Pioneer are also joining students and journalism advisers by raising money for two days' pay for Huber and to replace the money withdrawn from the Playwickian's funds.
Editor's Note: Reid serves on the Kirkwood School District Foundation's board.
