About

Mission Statement: 

The goal of Anthro magazine, Palo Alto High School’s social activism publication, is to create a platform and forum for students to express their opinions and voices. Activism brings issues into the spotlight to spread awareness and create change in society. On this platform, we will promote diversity and respect. As a publication, we aim to be inclusive but do not tolerate hate speech of the targeting individuals. We hope to highlight the impact of local and global activism on the Paly community, and create a safe place to discuss these issues, and ensure that student voices are heard.

AI Policy:

In this ever-changing atmosphere, Anthro restrains from using any AI generative platform to either brainstorm, write, or edit articles. While Anthro writers are able to use Murrow as a journalistic coach for their articles, the work published must be 100% authentically theirs. For art and other imagery, Anthro prohibits the use of AI generative content. We pride ourselves in the creation of our own work. 

Code of Ethics 

1) Be responsible.

• Keep yourself and your biases separate from your coverage.
• Understand your rights as a student journalist as guaranteed by state and federal law.
• Make informed decisions about the use of your power as a journalist.
• Demonstrate credibility and integrity outside of journalistic work.

2) Be fair.

• Approach news and events without predisposed notions regarding the events and phenomena occurring.
• Explore controversial topics with a neutral agenda.
• Do not use your position as a journalist to favor certain sources or opinions.
• Welcome diverse perspectives and viewpoints.
• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

3) Be honest.

• Never plagiarize work.
• Avoid using imaginary or hypothetical scenarios.
• Do not assume all sources are correct and corroborate any questionable assertions posed by sources.
• Ensure all sources grant permission to record video or audio before proceeding.

4) Be accurate.

• Reporting based on first hand experience whenever possible.
• Fact-check all articles.
• Ensure all quotes and facts are put together in a truthful and unbiased narrative with appropriate and accurate context.

5) Be independent.

• Accept no gifts or favors that could compromise your journalistic independence. 
• Hold school officials and other persons in power accountable when student control of student media is threatened.
• Learn state laws regarding freedom of information

6) Minimize harm.

• Think through the possible implications of all stories and prepare accordingly.
• Be careful when covering issues involving sources who endured traumatic or distressing experiences.
• Balance the public’s right to information with an individual’s right to privacy. 
• Avoid naming people involved in illegal activities.

7) Be accountable.

• Publicize mistakes or corrections made to any stories.
• Highlight unethical practices and remedy them.
• Use anonymous sources sparingly.
• Provide opportunities for criticism from readers and viewers

Reporting Ethics

Controversial Topics: In Anthro, controversial topics will be discussed, written and published when the content is relevant to our school community and beyond. As a measure to enforce unbiased reporting, articles surrounding topics of these natures will be evidence-based and showcase a variety of sources. In regards to Anthro’s political articles, we ensure that various viewpoints are reflected and reporting is done dutifully and diligently. 

Anonymous sources: Anonymous sourcing will be used when the testimony in question is essential to the development of stories concerning controversial or taboo topics. Anonymous sources will only be included if, as outlined by the Poynter Institute, the story is of “overwhelming public concern,” the testimony is “verifiable” and necessary, it is imperative that the source’s identity remain private and reporters can justify both the testimony’s use and the method in which it was received.

Profanity: Anthro student journalists will have the power to write and publish profanity and vulgarity in articles if they add significance to the article. Other uses of profanity and vulgarity will be strictly prohibited. 

Accountability: All sources will receive a feedback request form at the end of the semester in which they were contacted, and staff will address responses pertaining to general journalistic conduct (see “Requests to Change or Remove Content” for more specific feedback). During this time, the editorial board will conduct our Diversity Audit, compiling data regarding the age, racial background, gender and if applicable, grade level, of each source to evaluate whether Anthro has accurately represented the range of perspectives in our community.

Legal advisory Ethics policy

Student journalists on Anthro will only publish legally protected speech, following the legal definitions of libel, obscenity and invasion of privacy. Consistent with California Education Code section 48907, the staff also will refrain from publishing material (including submissions from the community) which so incite students as to create a clear and present danger of the commission of unlawful acts on school premises or the violation of lawful school regulations, or the substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school. When faced with potential legal questions, staff will contact the Student Press Law Center for advice concerning media law.

Byline policy

Story bylines include the names of all staff writers who contributed to the story. Signed columns or reviews represent only the opinions of individual authors. Editorials represent the viewpoint of the entire staff and the topic is subject to extensive discussion, review, and decision among the entire staff. Anthro prides itself in being a publication that supports students’ freedom of expression.

Content Accuracy policy

Sources: Anthro distinguishes itself on following the above code of ethics to deliver fair and accurate reporting. In addition, we reserve the right to publish all on-the-record quotes so long as they are accurate. Once a story is published, our general policy is to not change or remove any content — including, but not limited to, quotes, names and information — due to requests from outside sources. However, we may evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis and attempt to correct any errors found to be false, libelous or dangerous. If a story is altered, readers will be explicitly notified of the edits made. Sources may request information to be taken “off the record” if the request is made prior to the interview, and such content will not be used in writing. However, sensitive or controversial interview content may be removed after the fact if the source has expressed a compelling and reasonable justification.

If you wish to reach the Editor-in-Chiefs with any concerns, comments, or complaints, please email: [email protected]. You should expect an email within a few short days.