SPEAKING WITH THE MEDIA:
CLARIFYING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION POLICY

Because many CSA members have questions about when they can and cannot speak to the press, we have set up this page to better explain the process and the rules you should follow.

In February, the New York Civil Liberties Union was able to get the Department of Ed to put their policies in writing. (See Below)

CSA wants to stress that you do NOT need permission to speak to the media - either on or off the record - or notify the DOE that you are doing so. However, if you do choose to speak to a reporter, you must do so on your own time. You also cannot divulge confidential information such as the names and records of students.

You ARE free to talk about what you do every day, as well as the obstacles you face in getting that job done. Reporters want to hear the good and the bad. Tell them about all the wonderful things you and your staff are doing to help our children grow, as well as whatever problems are standing in your way.

The CSA Press Office is available to you for assistance in these matters. Please call Richard Relkin or Brian Gibbons at (718) 852-3000, or email us at richard@csa-nyc.org or brian@csa-nyc.org.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


GENERAL DOE GUIDELINES FOR DEALING WITH THE MEDIA - PART 1

The following text was provided to CSA by the DOE Press Office on February 25, 2004

GOAL: We should strive to provide open access and communication to the public and the news media in a manner that ensures the educational process in our schools is not disrupted. The following recommendations should help us achieve this goal:

• The news media is encouraged to contact the Department of Education press office before visiting schools or Department of Education facilities. When appropriate, we will make every effort to facilitate access to DOE employees and to our facilities.

• In the event that media contact Principals and/or regional staff directly with inquiries or requests for access, we encourage you to contact one of the press officers listed below. We are available to assist you in handling these inquiries.

• ROC's, Regional Superintendents and SPYFSS personnel should understand that regional offices are open to the media or to elected officials if they appear for a visit. Again, the press officers are available to consult on these requests.

• In the case of schools, Principals should use their best judgment about the admission of media or public officials during school hours. It should also be noted that parental consent is required for the filming of any student on school property. Once again, school officials are encouraged to consult the press office for assistance with such matters.

DOE Press Office Numbers:
Main #: 212-374-5141; Fax: 212-374-5584

DOE Press Officers:
Margie Feinberg
Peter Kerr
Michele McManus
Eileen Murphy
Paul Rose
Jerry Russo






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL DOE GUIDELINES FOR DEALING WITH THE MEDIA - PART 2

The following text was provided to the New York Civil Liberties Union by the DOE Press Office on February 25, 2004. The communication was sent to Administrators in Region 3.

I understand that you may have received an email advising you to contact Region 3's legal advisor if you are contacted by a member of the press. To clarify any confusion that this may have caused, we want to remind you of the Department's guidelines distributed last Fall, for speaking with the press, as follows:

The news media is encouraged to contact the Department of Education press office before visiting schools or Department of Education facilities. When appropriate, we will make every effort to facilitate access to DOE employees and to our facilities.


In the event that media contact Principals and/or staff directly with inquiries or requests for access, we encourage you to contact the Principal or the Office of Media Relations. The Media Office is available to assist you in handling these inquiries.


In the case of schools, Principals should use their best judgment about the admission about the admission of media or public officials during school hours. Other school staff may not authorize the admission of the media or public officials.


Staff may not speak with the press during their work hours without the prior approval of the Office of Media Relations or the Principal or Regional Superintendent.


Staff are also reminded that the Department and its employees are subject to the confidentiality requirements of FERPA and may not discuss student specific information without parental consent or pursuant to the other provisions of that law.


Confidentiality requirements also limit the access of the media directly to our school buildings, as students may not be interviewed nor may their photographs be used without consent. Parental consent is required for the filming of any student on school property. Once again, school officials are encouraged to consult the press office for assistance with such matters.


If you have any questions about whether information may be provided to the press, contact the Office of Media Relations.





Print this Page