Staff Editorial: In support of student journalism and the Redwood Bark

In February 2026, the Redwood Bark received backlash regarding a cover photo on one of their issues. The photo was of a national protest movement that took place in San Francisco and included images of signs and banners held by protesters, one of which “caused pain and concern for some readers [for] some members of our Jewish community.” The Bark’s intention in releasing this photo was not to upset or offend anyone, however the editors said that they realize that “intent does not always equal impact.” Bark adviser and Journalism teacher Erin Schneider recently took a leave of absence, partially due to the backlash received by this photo. Her leave shows the growing tension in schools across the country. The action of capturing nationwide political protests as they happened was the publication’s job. When student journalists report on complex topics, they are doing what journalism demands: documenting real-life events with honesty. Attempts to restrict or discourage students’ work undermines not only their voices, but the idea of free press. 

The recent leave of absence taken by Schneider marks a deeply concerning moment for student journalism in Marin County. As a fellow student-run publication, we have watched and admired the Redwood Bark for their high journalistic standards and award-winning news coverage. Our seniors visited the Bark in the spring of 2025 and were inspired not only by their work ethic, but the positive environment Schneider created. For 13 years, Schneider has helped cultivate Redwood’s Bark newspaper and has helped students find their voice in a journalism class. 

Student journalism is a protected right under the First Amendment. Student reporters have the right to investigate, report and publish content without pressure or censorship. These journalists get to make the final decision about what to print and advisers and administrators cannot censor them. These rights are granted to us by the Constitution and are fundamental to our job of helping inform communities of current events. 

Student journalists follow strict guidelines set forth by the Student Press Law Center, and have a responsibility to not alter news photos without compromising their credibility and ethical standards. However, this does not mean that student journalists endorse messages written in photographs or scenes depicted in them. Student journalists realize that photos and messages within them carry weight to communities and can impact people in many different ways. When an incident happens at a newspaper, such as the one that occurred to the Bark, journalists take the time to reflect on their errors, make amends, and also follow and obey laws and guidelines protected and set in place by federal and state law. 

At the Pony Express, we understand the importance of editorial independence. Editorial autonomy allows us as student journalists to pursue and write stories that matter without fear of institutional pressure. Independence is essential to credibility, integrity, and trust within not only a school community, but the larger community.