Don't Sugar-Coat It

Story by Lucy Farmer
Fused staff writer

McPherson High School’s staff at The High Life in Kansas wrote an article about two pregnant teenagers at the school. The newspaper’s advisor, Todd Brittingham, cut the story from the second issue of The High Life. He assumed that he had the right to remove articles that he felt were too controversial. The issue came out with a blank center spread that was initially meant for the story about the two girls.

Editor-in-Chief Nikki Wentling produced a statement to be published in the third issue explaining the blank spread and emphasizing the rights of student journalists.
“I respect the administration’s decision to withdraw the content of the page from the newspaper, however…a free student press is essential to maintaining a healthy democracy…we have an obligation to serve as a voice for the student body” said Wentling.

The High Life wanted to produce an article that dealt with issues regarding their student body. They gave a voice to two teenage girls who were going through something very difficult and very personal. This was not an easy thing to talk about, read about, or write about. If the press only covered sugar-coated truths, the world would be a very dark and ignorant place.

Brittingham is an example of the kind of authority figure that has the power to take control of the press without any questions being asked. High school journalists are faced with this issue everyday. Unlike independent papers, the school newspaper will always be in the shadow of the administration. It is the staff’s responsibility to not allow this to be a hindrance.

In order for a high school newspaper to be successful, the students involved need to be in control of their own rights. It is crucial that they do not lose their voice. The representation of the student body is very important and the opportunity to give a voice to any group of people should never be wasted.