Foul language prompts review of Martin High newspaper
By Tracey-Lynn Clough / Arlington Morning News
Published 05-14-1998
CORRECTIONS, CLARIFICATIONS: On Page 25A of the May 14
Metropolitan section, a story about controversial material published in
the Martin High School student newspaper incorrectly stated Student
Press Law Center attorney Mike Hiestand's views and the location of the
center. Mr. Hiestand, an attorney with the Washington, D.C-based center,
did not offer a conclusion on the legality of the material. (Ran:
Saturday, May 30, 1998)
ARLINGTON - Officials at Martin High School were investigating Wednesday how students managed to print foul language, sexual references and racially insensitive commentary in Monday's edition of the school newspaper.
In The Warrior Post 's final edition of the school year, some senior staff members wrote praise for their friends and parting shots for other classmates, teachers and administrators. The issue contains sexual innuendo, racially insensitive put-downs and graphic language.
"That is under review as we speak," said principal Steve Jacoby, who met with six students Wednesday and planned to meet with more. "Students need to understand that the publication belongs to the school, not an individual."
The paper's faculty adviser, Robbie Griffin, has been placed on paid administrative leave, and several students could be removed from regular classes as punishment, Mr. Jacoby said. Ms. Griffin, a journalism teacher, declined to comment Wednesday.
Mr. Jacoby said he was also investigating a sexually explicit play that school administrators canceled before it was performed. The play had been scheduled as final class project for a handful of drama students.
Mr. Jacoby said the drama incident was handled quickly and he did not expect disciplinary action against the adviser or students.
Arlington school principals have final approval of all student publications, but the district does not have a mandatory prior review policy. Mr. Jacoby did not see Monday's issue of The Warrior Post before 1,900 copies of the newspaper were distributed on the southwest Arlington campus.
On Wednesday, Mr. Jacoby offered a personal apology to his faculty and staff for comments in the paper and ordered officials to collect some of the copies that were distributed on campus this week.
"It was totally unacceptable," he said. "And completely inappropriate."
Student journalist Michael Gratton, 18, said he does not support everything his classmates wrote but said administrators are inappropriately targeting Ms. Griffin and the student journalists.
"I think there's a great deal of overreacting going on around here," said Mr. Gratton, Warrior Post editor-in-chief. "There's a lot more humor in the remarks than people are reading into it."
But Mr. Jacoby said the articles do not meet the standard of the community or school and that Ms. Griffin should not have allowed them to be published.
"I have faith in our advisers and entrust them to perform their duties," he said. "It is the responsibility of the adviser to provide oversight and offer guidance."
However, an attorney for the Houston-based Student Press Law Center said the students should be punished harshly and swiftly for their participation in the articles.
"We certainly preach a free press and rights for students," said Mike Hiestand, with the Houston office. "But along with those rights is a huge degree of responsibility.
"It's time for these students to understand their role."
In addition to questionable and offensive references, Mr. Hiestand said comments directed at specific students and faculty members could be considered libelous.
"This could create legal problems for the school and district," he said. "This material is not protected under guarantees of free speech."
Mr. Gratton, who wrote an editorial supporting free speech in the final edition, said he doesn't believe the individuals targeted by the newspaper were offended.
"If a third party takes offense, I say tough luck," he said.
School board President Jim Ash said he expected Superintendent Mac Bernd to present a report to board members during the regular meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Administration Building board room, 1203 W. Pioneer Parkway.
"At that time, I'll be in a position to discuss changes in existing policy or if any new policies would be in order," Mr. Ash said. "As we investigate the circumstances, however, it will give us an opportunity to learn how to avoid these situations in the future."
Mr. Jacoby said he did not know when the investigation into the publication would be completed. The school year ends May 21.
He said some students could be placed in detention, forced to attend Saturday classes or the school's alternative program, Choices, where students are not allowed to attend regular classes.
But all of the students in question will be allowed to participate in upcoming graduation ceremonies, he said.
There will be no discipline against students or faculty involved in the play controversy.