Letter from the editor
On their first day of school (Aug. 24, 2015), student journalists for “The Wilson Beacon”, official student newspaper of Woodrow Wilson High School of Washington D.C., were told by their new school principal, Kimberly Martin, that from that day forth their publication would be subject to her prior review of the paper’s content before it went to press. This meant that every time “The Beacon” wanted to publish a paper, they would have to get its content approved by Martin. So, if Martin saw something in the paper that casted the school in an unfavorable light, she could prevent the staff from publishing. This kind of prior review not only takes a toll on a publication’s objectivity, but also takes a toll on a publication’s ability to present news in a timely manner, both characteristics that are essential to the success of newspapers everywhere.The editors of “The Beacon” recognized that this was an issue and published in their first issue an editorial detailing Martin’s new demands and why they posed a threat to the staff’s prosperity as student journalists. They urged their readers to sign their petition supporting the overhaul of Martin’s new prior review policy.On Sept. 17, 2015, after just under a month-long battle with administration, The Beacon journalists were relieved to find themselves back on a newspaper where they are allowed to exercise their first amendment rights and are no longer operating under prior review.We have to recognize that here in Santa Monica, student journalists don’t hav to experience anything like the pressure put on students at The Beacon. In fact according to California Education Code section 48907, students of public schools all have the right to practice free speech and if any person or institution violates this right, they are violating Ed Code, which is punishable by law.It is specifically for this reason that we, The Samohi staff, want to remind you all that we are a newspaper produced specifically for the Samo community, and are therefore dedicated to voicing Samo thoughts, opinions and events to the very best of our ability. Every article published, artwork printed, photo shot and statistic gathered by The Samohi will demonstrate some connection to the school, so that you as the reader can understand specifically how different events and cultural happenings relate to you. Every news article, game coverage, art show report, concert coverage or article about the school play will include at least one quote from a Samo student, so that you as the reader can directly follow how students are reacting to a particular issue. The Samohi will make an effort to publish at least one profile on a Samo student (ones that are both widely recognized and widely unrecognized) per issue. We will also make an effort to include more student opinions via statistics, including more “Hot Off the Lunch Benches” segments, where we publish polls taken of Samo students on a variety of issues ranging from textbook condition to political candidacy. Additionally, The Samohi will work to have a larger online presence, reminding you about upcoming Samo sports games and performances via twitter (@thesamohi) and alerting you of Samo’s unexpected happenings via instagram (@thesamohi), in efforts to enforce a better sense of Samo community among students, parents and faculty.And here is where you come in, Samo. We want to publish your opinions articles, letters to the editor, comics, photography, artwork, album reviews, movie reviews, TV-show reviews, book reviews and sports stories, but we need you to contribute first.For written work: Please send a complete draft of an unpublished piece — meaning that it hasn’t run in other publications or on your personal blog/Tumblr/website — accompanied by an introduction to the piece. Your email should include a brief, clear, specific summary of your work’s main idea and how the work conveys that message. Send in to: Olive Sherman, Editor-in-Chief, samohicontributions@gmail.com For artwork/photography: Please send an unpublished piece (artwork or comics) — meaning that it hasn’t run in other publications or on your personal blog/Tumblr/website — accompanied by an introduction to the piece. Make sure all work is in felt-tipped pen with no smudges. It can be on any size paper but 8.5x11 is standard. You can either send in an email with a scan of your work or bring a hard copy to Ms. Faas’ room, I202. Send in to: Fatimah Khan, Art Editor, samohicontributions@gmail.com