Slick Magazine

Editorial Policy

Thanks to The Journalism Education Association, an independent national scholastic journalism organization that promotes and supports student press, for providing a model for our Editorial Policy.

This is a public document intended to inform our community about the purpose and policies that guide our publications.

The Slick Journalism Editorial Policy
Slick is the official student-produced medium of news and information produced by journalism students at Huntington Beach High School.

Freedom of the Press
Slick has been established as a designated public forum for student editors and staff to inform and educate their readers and for the discussion of issues of concern to their audience. It will not be reviewed or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. The adviser will coach and discuss content during the writing process. The student editor-in-chief, managing editor, team leaders, photo editors, and social media coordinators oversee the work of their peers in these publications. The student editors make final decisions on all content on the website. Because school officials do not engage in prior review, and the content of Slick is determined by and reflects only the views of the student staff and not school officials or the school itself; its student editors and student staff members assume responsibility for the content of the publication.

Electronic media produced by Slick students are entitled to the same protections – and subjected to the same freedoms and responsibilities – as media produced for print publication. As such, they will not be subject to prior review or restraint. Student journalists may use print and electronic media to report news and information, to communicate with other students and individuals, to ask questions of and consult with experts and to gather material to meet their newsgathering and research needs. Slick and its staff are protected by and bound to the principles of the First Amendment and other protections and limitations afforded by the Constitution and the various laws and court decisions implementing those principles.

Slick will not publish any material determined by student editors or the student editorial board to be unprotected, that is, material that is libelous, obscene, materially disruptive of the school process, an unwarranted invasion of privacy, a violation of copyright or a promotion of products or services unlawful to minors as defined by state or federal law.

Anonymous Sources
Slick strives to be transparent with all its sources but will allow individuals to remain anonymous under certain conditions. These sources may be used when providing vital information unable to be found elsewhere, given that the source is reliable. All Slick members must have prior approval from at least one student editor and the adviser before using an anonymous source in any published material. Editors and advisers are informed of the source’s identity. The author is responsible for corroborating all information given by the source they plan to publish.

Student Editors
The editorial board will determine the content. Columns, reviews, or opinion pieces represent only the opinion of the author. Slick may accept letters to the editor, guest columns, and news releases from students, faculty, administrators, and community members.

Staff members will strive to correct errors prior to publication; however, if the editors determine a significant error is printed, the editors will determine the manner and timeliness of a correction. The staff of Slick will strive to report all issues in a legal, objective, accurate and ethical manner, according to the Society for Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics. Student editors and staff who want additional advice regarding proposed content should seek resources knowledgeable in media law such as those of the Student Press Law Center. Final content decisions and responsibility shall remain with the student editors. Slick will not avoid publishing a story solely on the basis of possible dissent or controversy.

The Slick editors reserve the right to accept or reject any ad in accordance with its advertising policy. Electronic manipulations changing the essential truth of the photo or illustration will be clearly labeled if used. The duly appointed editor and managing editor shall interpret and enforce this editorial policy.

Changes and Updates
All changes and updates to a story will be noted at the bottom of the piece. The notation will include the change made along with the date.

Editorial Board Opinions
The Slick Editorial Board consists of the editor-in-chief, managing editor, and team leaders. They debate and release opinion pieces on major issues affecting the Huntington Beach High School community and beyond. Slick strives for consensus, but that is not always the case. Because of this, the board will vote on opinions. Each member will have one vote. If unanimity is not reached the minority will write an additional piece combatting that of the majority. Votes will be available in the event the decision is not unanimous. The opinions of the board reflect Slick as an institution, but not staff members as individuals.

The Adviser
The adviser will not act as a censor or determine the content of the paper. The adviser will offer advice and instruction, following the Code of Ethics for Advisers established by the Journalism Education Association.

Additional Information
For more information about high school journalism, please visit the Student Press Law Center or the Journalism Education Association.

Donate to Slick Magazine

Activate Search
The Student News Site of Huntington Beach High School
Editorial Policy