Freedom of expression and press freedom are fundamental values in a democratic society. The mission of any institution committed to preparing productive citizens must include teaching students these values, both by lesson and by example. As determined by the courts, student exercise of freedom of expression and press freedom is protected by both state and federal law, especially by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Additionally, Article I, Section 5 of the Washington State Constitution reads: “Every person may freely speak, write and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that right.” Accordingly, public school officials are responsible for encouraging and ensuring freedom of expression and press freedom for all students. Therefore, it is the policy of the Hawkeye, the MTHS Administration and the Edmonds School District Board of Education that the Hawkeye and its subsidiary publications (FACES, theHawkeye.org, special editions, etc.), the official, school-sponsored student print and online news media of Mountlake Terrace High School, have been established as designated public forums for student expression and as voices in the uninhibited, robust, free and open discussion of issues. Each medium should provide a full opportunity for students to inquire, question and exchange ideas. Content should reflect all areas of student interest, including topics about which there may be dissent or controversy.

Please click the documents below for the latest version of the Hawkeye's policies and the policies of the Edmonds School District related to student expression.

If you have any question about these policies, please contact one of us:

Editors - Email the Editors in Chief

Adviser - Email the Adviser

OFFICIAL HAWKEYE PUBLICATION POLICIES (Currently undergoing a major revision)

Note: We are exceedingly proud of the current policy that district officials, members of the school board and the Hawkeye leadership staff collaborated on and that the board passed in November 2022. We believe it is the strongest policy in the state – if not the country – in terms of protecting student press rights and responsibilities. Of note, we especially want to commend the addition of the following provision: "…as has been the practice and policy for decades in the Edmonds School District, there shall be no administrative prior review of school-sponsored student media…" Although Mountlake Terrace High School student publications have operated as designated public forums and have never been subject to prior review since the school opened in the fall of 1960, this policy codifies that philosophy and ensures equity across all schools and all students in the district.

We are also proud to have played a significant role in ensuring that Washington became a "New Voices" state in 2018. HSM students and adviser Vince DeMiero have worked toward this goal since the early 1990s. For more information, please follow this link: SPLC's Guide to Washington's New Voices Law

POLICY LINKS:

• Official Edmonds School District Policies (as of 11/2022)

• DRAFT HSM/Hawkeye/Tempo Policies (currently being revised & updated)

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We'd love to add you to our incredible staff. Here's some information about what all is involved in being an HSM staff member. If you have additional questions, please contact any current HSM leadership staff member or adviser ">Vince DeMiero. Download and read our program overview:

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