Massachusetts law gives students control of the contents of the school newspaper. There is an organization that gives free legal advice and representation to student journalists. The principal does not have the right to review the student newspaper before it is printed. The newspaper advisor cannot edit or alter material that he or she finds objectionable before the paper is printed. The Supreme Court gave control of student newspapers to principals.
Students can critique artistic performances without fear of being sued.
A school cannot be sued for material printed in the school paper. The following cases are landmark court decisions regarding student press law. They will give you a background of student rights as well as the most current decision for students in Massachusetts.