Board adopts resolution backing student journalists after Lowell High personnel dispute

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution on Tuesday affirming the importance of student journalism and urging the San Francisco Unified School District to adopt consistent policies that protect student reporters.

Supervisor Mirna Melgar introduced the measure and said the resolution was not intended to interfere with personnel processes but to defend student journalists and to press the district for clear, legally compliant policies and staff training. ‘‘It is about how student journalists are being treated and a demand to the SFUSD to develop and implement consistent policies and procedures...that respect the rights of student journalists,’’ Melgar said.

Students from Lowell High School and supporters filled the chamber during general public comment. ‘‘Lowell would not be the publication that it is without Mr. G,’’ student speaker Ramona said, referring to the paper’s adviser and describing his mentorship. Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez, president of the Northern California chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, told the board that professional journalists stand with the students and warned that punitive actions against advisers can chill student reporting.

Supervisor Joel Engadio, a former journalist, said high‑school publications can challenge authorities while abiding by free‑speech principles and praised student reporters for their work. Several supervisors thanked the students for attending on a school day.

The board took the resolution on first reading and adopted it the same day by unanimous consent (same house, same call). The resolution asks SFUSD to review its policies, provide training and guidance to staff, and protect student journalists’ rights.

The resolution does not compel the district to reverse any personnel decision; it asks the district to create consistent procedures and to uphold legal protections for student publications.