After administrators censored their work, Herriman High Journalism students are taking matters into their own hands by creating their own outlet.
It began when student News Editor, Conor Spahr, wrote an article for Herriman High School’s newspaper about an ex-teacher who is being investigated for misconduct. Because of his article, major news networks around the state picked the story up and made the allegations public.
It was then confirmed that the Unified Police Department is, in fact, investigating former teacher at Herriman High School, Ryan White. White allegedly exchanged texts with a 17-year-old student throughout the school year and after the student graduated, some of which were deemed inappropriate.
The day after the article was published, Herriman administration not only deleted the story, but deleted the entire website for the school’s newspaper, The Telegraph.
In a press release issued by The Telegraph’s editors, Conor Spahr and Max Gordon, they stated:
“In the dead of morning, on January 19th, Herriman Administrators deleted the story and took the website offline. Just recently has it been brought back online, but student journalists have no access to the website, and the articles are still deleted.”
Because of the administration’s censorship, and in the name of honest and authentic journalism, several Journalism students at Herriman High banded together to create independent news source called The Telegram.
The new website states:
“The Telegram aims to be Herriman High School’s independent news source that will not censor material in any way,”
Jordan School district responded with the following press release, neither confirming or denying the allegations:
“Jordan School District encourages thought-provoking, informative and accurate reporting of all stories in our school newspapers. It is the responsibility of students, school advisors and administrators to have every story meet these expectations.”
Salute to the Herriman High Journalism students who took the initiative to maintain authenticity and honesty in their school’s community. You are true #HometownHeroes!
