December 17, 2008 at 3:22 pm | Posted by Sarah Bauer
The Society of Professional Journalists supports student journalists at the Faribault High School Echo newspaper. The students worked hard to produce relevant, accurate and important information to distribute to fellow students. Instead of censoring the article, school Superintendent Bob Stepaniak should take pride in the level of critical thinking and professionalism his students demonstrated—an achievement the Faribault Daily News recognized when it printed the story.
SPJ recognizes the student reporters delved into a difficult subject by writing about the reasons a teacher is on administrative leave. Mr. Stepaniak should consider the message his action sends to the community and to his own students. It says that it’s acceptable to use dramatic and potentially unconstitutional means to stifle discussion—a discussion that is clearly important to students, parents and school officials—if the details of the topic make him uncomfortable. By requiring final review of content provided by students, the superintendent also demonstrates he no longer trusts the editorial decisions of the staff advisor—a break of protocol that’s endured for the more than 50 years the student paper has been in existence. Lastly, Mr. Stepaniak’s attempt to control the message appears quixotic since the article has since been released in a larger forum.
SPJ would like to offer any expertise available to us to help everyone involved understand how to move forward in the best interests of the school and the community.
Contact:
Art Hughes, 612-236-8302
Society of Professional Journalists, Minnesota Pro Chapter
November 26, 2008 at 11:17 am | Posted by Sarah Bauer
‘Tis the season to kick back and celebrate another year. Please join the members and friends of the MN Pro Chapter at its annual holiday party. Food and cocktails will be served — stop in for a few minutes, or stay the entire evening!
WHEN: Friday, December 12 | 7:00 p.m. - Midnight
WHERE: Board Member Alyssa Ford’s Home (same location as last year)
3445 First Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(parking available on street)
WHAT: Stop by to celebrate the holiday season with your SPJ colleagues. Guests welcome!
QUESTIONS: Reply to this email, or contact Alyssa directly by email (aford@midwesthomemag.com) or by phone (651-894-3661).
RVSP: Please email us at minnesota.spj@gmail.com to let us know if you’ll be attending.
November 21, 2008 at 9:05 pm | Posted by Jeff Achen
Watch video of the Election Reflections event at Sweeney’s in St. Paul Nov. 20 featuring David Brauer of MinnPost.com and Bill Salisbury of the Pioneer Press.
November 21, 2008 at 9:03 pm | Posted by Jeff Achen
Watch video of the Election Reflections event at Sweeney’s in St. Paul Nov. 20 featuring David Brauer of MinnPost.com and Bill Salisbury of the Pioneer Press.
November 6, 2008 at 3:04 pm | Posted by Sarah Bauer
After more than 21 months of debating, campaigning and political posturing, it appears that the election is (kind of) finally over. Join us at Sweeney’s on Thursday, November 20 to re-hash the election season, chat about political ads, and the effect of new technologies on the campaigns.
We’ll have a few Twin Cities-based journalists on hand to tell you their stories and answer your burning questions.
Featuring:
David Brauer, MinnPost.com
Eric Black, MinnPost.com
Bill Salisbury, Pioneer Press
Where: Sweeney’s (upper level) - St. Paul
When: Thursday, November 20 | 6:30 p.m.
Light appetizers provided; cash bar.
October 29, 2008 at 12:00 pm | Posted by Sarah Bauer
10-28-08_minutes
Respectfully submitted by Sarah Bauer, secretary
