Few will have heard of the Booster Redux. But the Kansas school newspaper has just pulled off a true journalistic coup. The newly hired principal of Pittsburgh High School resigned after her future pupils published a report that suggested her CV was less impressive than it appeared. They cast doubt on the private college that had awarded her post-graduate degrees. Journalists like to pride themselves on speaking truth to power: this is a shining example. The reporters had intended to profile their new leader, but then realised there was much more to say. And they are still asking questions: “If students could uncover all of this, I want to know why the adults couldn’t,” said one. The pupils were encouraged to persist by a teacher, and allowed to do so by the area schools’ superintendent. Equally dogged students elsewhere might have met with opposition. Kansas is one of 10 states with laws allowing pupils to maintain independent control of their newspapers and publish unflattering material. These students have earned global praise. Quite right. But strong, accurate, fearless reporting in schools – as in the wider world – must be fostered, defended and enabled as well as applauded.
