The consequences of a First Amendment violation are almost always greater than the problems with printing the story in question. Explain to the administrator that the students could sue over such as order and that plenty of lawyers would love to take on these cases pro bono. YOU HAVE RIGHTS, TOO
You are a highly qualified professional. You have rights owed to you as a result of the collective bargaining agreement between your district and the faculty. Read the contract carefully and understand your rights and responsibilities. Since unions tend to be there to support the greatest good for the greatest number, the unique problems of one faculty member who advises a campus publication are likely to receive support only when you can show the relationship of your situation to other faculty. An example of this would be: At one college, the adviser was told to hold car washes and cookie sales to produce a campus magazine. Journalism is part of a curriculum at your college, just like other disciplines. Has the chemistry teacher been told to hold a bake sale to pay for test tubes? You should not have to beg for money to keep the publications going. Those publications are a vital part of the curriculum. Without the newspaper and/or magazine, you cannot meet the course objectives.
JACC EVENTS There are three annual JACC events. During the fall semester, the Northern and Southern California colleges hold regional conferences for students and faculty. These include mail-in and on-the-spot competitions, seminars and workshops, as well as business meetings. The spring semester brings the annual conference on the CSU Fresno campus. This is similar to the regional events except it involves more colleges. In February, the faculty gathers for its Mid-Winter Conference in Morro Bay. Academic issues and concerns are addressed in this highly positive and supportive activity. It is vital to attend these events. Not only will your students get much out of these conferences, but you will also learn more about yourself and your students by attending. Remember, too, that our job is a unique and often a 24