We are condemning the actions of Lowell High School’s administration for its violation of First Amendment rights against the independent, student-run news publication, The Lowell, and its adviser.

Following the publication of “Invasive and inappropriate” — an article alleging instances of verbal harassment by teachers to students on campus — current principal Jan Bautista announced that Eric Gustafson would be removed from his role as journalism adviser as a result of the article, according to The San Francisco Chronicle. 

We, as alumni, cannot fathom how it feels to work at The Lowell’s current student newsroom while under attack from the school administration. This is incredibly intimidating to the future of independent student journalism at Lowell, especially when considering the national and political landscape we are currently living in. Independent journalism is more important now than ever before — our next generation of journalists deserve to work in an environment safe from retaliation. 

With the guidance of Mr. Gustafson, the problems the publication surfaces provide transparency and elevates students’ voices in an environment where they can feel voiceless. Lowell’s administration has not only intimidated student journalists, but also harmed the future of the paper and press freedom. 

Join us in calling on Lowell’s administration to stop infringing on the journalists’ First Amendment rights and reinstate Mr. Gustafson as The Lowell’s adviser. 

Written by,

Anita Liu, Rae Wymer and Kelcie Lee
The Lowell Editors-in-Chief, Class of 2021-2023