Opinion ID: 2418950
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Overview of The Tattler

Text: The Tattler is the Ithaca High School newspaper. Each month approximately 3,000 copies of The Tattler are printed and distributed to students by placing copies in each homeroom and throughout the school's common areas. The paper is also distributed to IHS teachers, to the faculty mailboxes of ICSD middle schools and elementary schools, and to cafes and shops in the surrounding neighborhoods. About two-thirds of the printed issues of The Tattler are distributed on ICSD grounds. The editors of The Tattler are all IHS students and are permitted to work on the paper during school hours when there is no conflict with their classes, such as during free periods and lunch periods. In certain cases, students may receive course credit for their work. The Tattler is funded largely by ICSD, including ICSD's provision and maintenance of the newspaper's office space, a stipend for the Faculty Advisor, a budget for printing and distribution expenses, and money for the staff to attend student journalism conferences. Other funding is provided by the advertising sales made by students to local merchants, as well as by student contributions of items such as extra office furnishings and office supplies. Since 1979, The Tattler has operated under the supervision of an IHS teacher appointed as the paper's Faculty Advisor. The precise role of the Advisor is disputed, but the parties agree that the Advisor provides general guidance to the student staff and has the final say regarding content and publication in at least some circumstances, specifically in cases involving articles that are libelous[,] . . . obscene[,]. . . or [ ] that advocate immediate, violent disruption of school activities. [2]