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 Potomac Confidential
By Marc Fisher
"Nay to Maryland state Sen. Ida Ruben of Montgomery County, who is complaining about an editorial in the student newspaper at Montgomery Blair High School, where student editors decided to endorse Ruben's opponent, Jamin Raskin.... That's the whole point of having a student newspaper. And in fact, Silver Chips, the Blair student paper, is among the best I've ever seen, and if they see a reason to endorse in local elections, more power to them."
-Marc Fisher, Washington Post Yay to the few Virginians who bothered to vote in this week's primary (see today's column) because you made the only choice that will result in a competitive and fascinating fall challenge to Sen. George Allen. Suddenly, the Virginia Senate race is one that will attract widespread national attention (and money)--and a good, lively debate. Nay to Maryland state Sen. Ida Ruben of Montgomery County, who is complaining about an editorial in the student newspaper at Montgomery Blair High School, where student editors decided to endorse Ruben's opponent, Jamin Raskin. Now Blair principal Philip Gainous, one of the best school heads in the region, is saying it's inappropriate for student journalists to make endorsements. Excuse me, but it's inappropriate for principals to decide what should or shouldn't be in the student paper--that's the role of student journalists who should be granted total independence in determining the content of their paper. That's the whole point of having a student newspaper. And in fact, Silver Chips, the Blair student paper, is among the best I've ever seen, and if they see a reason to endorse in local elections, more power to them.
Your turn starts right now... Reader Questions & Marc Fisher's Responses Silver Spring, Md.: I agree with the Nay to the school principal and Ida Ruben. At least the kids are interested in current affairs and the running of the county government. Would they rather the kids wrote about who wore what to the prom? Marc Fisher: Right--what harm can come of a student paper's endorsement. Ruben complains that the students did not interview her, but today's story makes clear that she had ample opportunity to meet with the student journalists and chose not to. Arlington, Va.: I don't see the problem with student newspapers endorsing candidates for offices. Other newspapers do it (from community ones to those the stature of the Post), so why can't they? Some high school students are 18 and can vote. On top of that, every election young voters are called apathetic, disinterested and other things due to the small turnout. It's disheartening statement about the youth, especially for those of us in that group. Making room for political issues and endorsing candidates can raise the level of youth interest and awareness in politics and the voting process outside of Homecoming Court or Student Body President. So I say keep at it! Marc Fisher: The students would also be more likely than some professional journalists to ask questions on issues that voters really care about, as opposed to the insider, process questions that too many reporters ask. Silver Spring, Md.: I am a former student of Jamie Raskin's, a potential constituent, and a huge fan. I wasn't aware of the story on the student paper. What's ironic is that Jamie is a committed 1st Amendment advocate for student newspapers. I believe that he represented the same school's newspaper on a 1st amendment issues a few years ago. Marc Fisher: Raskin is a professor at American University who is indeed active on civil liberties issues. I didn't know that he'd done any work for the Blair paper--if that's the case, the student paper's endorsement should note that. Silver Spring, Md.: As a Blair parent, I was appalled that Ida Rubin went over the students' heads to the administration over the Raskin endorsement. Sen. Rubin may be upset that a Democratic challenger is getting so much attention, but her approach to fighting back certainly leaves a lot to be desired! Marc Fisher: I hope you and other parents will express your support for the student journalists at the school and to the school system. |
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