The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The student news site of The Harker School.

Harker Aquila

The reaction of the public, especially those in power, amplifies a serious message in today’s public forum: Speak at your own risk.

Editorial: Division reveals First Amendment’s fragility

by Editorial Board November 18, 2023

The opportunity to engage in civil, respectful discourse is a privilege we share at Harker. The Israel-Hamas conflict has made it clear that this privilege is not prevalent outside of Harker, and that...

Mountain View High Schools The Oracle Editor-in-Chief Hanna Olson responds to a question during a live interview at the JEA NorCal Media Day. The [administration] I believe fundamentally was in violation of our rights to publish what we want, what we can legally as a publication,” Hanna said.

‘To publish what we want to publish’: Mountain View High School journalism censorship

by Vika Gautham, Katerina Matta, and Aishani Singh October 14, 2023

PALO ALTO, Calif. - Editor-in-Chief Hanna Olson, of The Oracle, Mountain View High School’s student news publication, discussed the recent controversy surrounding student press censorship at their paper...

Introduction to Journalism studemts listen as Kuhlmeier shares her perspective on fighting for her First Amendment rights as a high school journalist. Prior to Kuhlmeiers visit, Introduction to Journalism students studied court cases like Tinker v. Des Moines and Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier to learn about freedom of speech and the press. (Provided by Kevin Oliver)

Be the change: Cathy Kuhlmeier discusses Supreme Court case, teaches Journalism students about press freedom

by Mendy Mao, Charlize Wang, and Ella Yee September 28, 2023

Former plaintiff Cathy Kuhlmeier spoke to Introduction to Journalism classes over Zoom about her experience fighting for student press freedom in the landmark Supreme Court case Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier...

An illustration of censorship of a student newspaper. The debate over student press freedom continues to rage on at the state level across the country.

Fight for their rights: Student publications stand up for freedom of press

by Arjun Barrett and Sally Zhu March 17, 2023

NEW YORK — “First Amendment rights, applied in light of the special characteristics of the school environment, are available to teachers and students. It can hardly be argued that either students or...

The Pearl Post adviser Adriana Chavira speaks to student journalists at the Journalism Education Association (JEA) NorCal Media Day at Palo Alto High School today. “There’s a section of the Ed Code 48907 that protects advisers from retaliation,” Chavira said. “That was added about 15 years ago. The Ed Code 48907 was actually added back in the late 70s, and [it’s] the first such law for student journalists in the country. Were lucky we have this: it’s giving you First Amendment protections.”

‘This is so much bigger than just our publication’

by Isha Moorjani and Olivia Xu September 24, 2022

PALO ALTO, Calif. – Hundreds of students rise to their feet in applause, all facing the three journalists on stage. The speakers, from the journalism staff of Daniel Pearl Magnet School in Los Angeles,...

A sticker commemorating the Harker journalism programs FAPFA win on Feb. 24 decorates sophomore reporter Julie Shis laptop. The FAPFA recognizes schools that uphold the First Amendment by supporting freedom of speech and freedom of the press in student media.

Harker recognized as 2022 First Amendment Press Freedom Awardee

by Ella Yee, Co-Asst. Multimedia Editor March 26, 2022

harkeraquila · Winged Post Audible: Journalism program wins press freedom award The Journalism Education Association (JEA) announced Harker as a First Amendment Press Freedom Award (FAPFA) winner on...

After a year upended by a relentless pandemic, the violent Capitol attack delivered a gut-wrenching blow to America’s battered morale. It was based in the false imagination of a stolen election, a story strengthened by those in public office who promoted the narrative and backed Trump in his disturbing rhetoric.

Editorial: Striking down the gavel on the First Amendment

by Editorial Board January 11, 2021

In a survey sent out to members of the Harker Journalism news staff, 100% of the 27 respondees indicated that they agreed with the stance of this editorial. “Account suspended. Twitter suspends accounts...

Mary Beth Tinker holds up a signed black armband to an audience of student journalists at the JEA/NSPA convention, a similar piece to the original black armbands she wore to protest the resulting casualties of American involvement in the Vietnam War.

Free speech activist Mary Beth Tinker inspires student journalists at annual NSPA convention

by Alysa Suleiman, Sports Reporter November 23, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Bathed in a dim, warm orange glow, the expansive convention room exploded in a deafening round of applause as activist Mary Beth Tinker stepped onto the podium. To an audience of hundreds...

A condemnation of conspiracies

A condemnation of conspiracies

by Aditya Singhvi, Sports Editor December 2, 2018

To raise anti-immigration sentiment as the midterms came up, a conspiracy theory gained popularity on social media that posited billionaire George Soros is surreptitiously funding the caravan of central...

Crossing a line

Crossing a line

by Arushi Saxena, Global Editor November 12, 2018

free press: (n.) A press having the freedom to operate without interference or censorship. On Dec. 15, 1791, Congress ratified the first amendment, guaranteeing the freedom of expression and the right...

Dialectic: Free Speech

Dialectic: Free Speech

by Kathy Fang and Jin Tuan September 3, 2018

In our recurring Dialectics, two authors with contrasting viewpoints discuss an issue of prominence in the local or broader community. We hope to use these multiple view stop provoke deeper thought among...

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