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As preservers of democracy, our school publication shall protect,
encourage and enhance free speech and exchange of ideas as a means of protecting our American way of life.
The Orbiter, the official newspaper of Streetsboro High School, has been established as a forum for student expression
and as a voice in the uninhibited, free and open discussion of issues. The Orbiter and its staff are protected by, and
bound to, the principles of the First Amendment and other protections afforded by the Constitution and the various
court decisions implementing those principles.
The function of the paper is to inform, influence and entertain; to serve as a record of events; to educate student
journalists; and to provide a forum for free expression to those within the Streetsboro High School community.
The paper has the freedom to cover news not only within the school, but also the local, state, national and
international news through direct reporting and editorial comment in compliance with the First Amendment.
The Orbiter will be free from all prior restraints and censorship. The paper and its staff will strive to avoid publishing
any material determined by student editors or the student editorial board, to fall under the legal definitions of material
that is libelous, obscene, materially disruptive of the school process, an unwarranted invasion of privacy, a violation
of copyright or electronic manipulations changing the essential truth of the photo or illustration, or which advertises
illegal products or services. Specific definitions for these instances of unprotected speech can be found in Law of the
Student Press.
With this in mind, student journalists have sole right to determine content of official student publications. By not
interfering with the content of The Orbiter or other publications, school officials are therefore not liable or responsible
for content.
Likewise, The Orbiter adviser will do just that, advise students through each step of the publication process, but will
not act as a censor.
The paper has the right to praise or constructively criticize individuals, organizations and policies in an objective
manner.
Editorials reflect the majority opinions of the editorial staff — not the faculty or administration — and do not need to be
signed. If a division exists among the staff, the paper may print both opinions. The editorial commentary differs from
an editorial that reflects an individual’s opinion, and must be signed.
Opinions can be expressed in Letters to the Editor, guest features or guest columns, provided they are 300 words or
less and contain the author’s name and grade. Names can be withheld for valid reasons. All letters will be verified as to
the author of the statements and their authenticity. The editorial staff has the right to edit the spelling and grammar of
all submitted materials. Should a letter contain additional errors in fact or be too long, it will be returned to the author
for resubmission.
A letter or column may be returned to the author for more information, if editors determine that the piece contains
items of unprotected speech as defined by this policy. Deadlines for letters and columns will be no later than two weeks
before the next publication date.
If questions arise over specific copy as defined within this policy, the advice of a communications attorney from the
Student Press Law Center is recommended.
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