EWA Signs Joint Statement on Journalism Ethics

The Education Writers Association has joined more than 50 organizations in the following statement led by the Society of Professional Journalists to reaffirm the vital role of ethical journalism in a healthy democracy. The statement calls on government leaders and the public to support the principles that guide the profession.

The statement comes as SPJ launches Ethics Week, April 14-18, to serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that journalists carry and the standards that guide their vital work.

Joint statement on the Importance of Journalism Ethics

As a coalition of organizations dedicated to supporting and advancing journalism, we stand united in reaffirming the essential role of ethical journalism in a functioning democracy. At a time when government actions and rhetoric increasingly seek to undermine and delegitimize principled practitioners of our profession, we call on policymakers, community leaders and the public to recognize and defend the critical importance of ethical reporting.​ 

Journalists producing evidence-based reporting have long served as watchdogs, holding the powerful accountable and giving voice to the less powerful. Through rigorous adherence to ethical principles — including accuracy, fairness, transparency and independence — journalists earn the trust of their audiences and fulfill their duty to inform the public. The Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics serves as a cornerstone for these principles, providing guidance for journalists striving to maintain integrity in their work.​ 

However, ongoing efforts to erode public trust in journalists through misinformation, intimidation and obstruction threaten not only the press but also the public’s right to know. When government officials dismiss factual reporting, restrict access to information, or retaliate against journalists who uncover uncomfortable truths, they undermine the very foundations of our democracy.​ 

SPJ has designated April 14-18 as Ethics Week to serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that journalists carry and the standards that guide their vital work. It also is an opportunity to emphasize that ethical journalism is not a political act; it is a public service. Attempts to delegitimize responsible reporting do not diminish its value; instead, they underscore the importance of a resilient, independent press that remains steadfast in its pursuit of truth.​ 

We urge all members of the public to critically evaluate the information they consume, support credible news organizations and recognize the immense effort that ethical journalists put into their reporting. Likewise, we call on government officials to respect the role of a free press and refrain from rhetoric or actions that endanger journalists or impede the public’s access to accurate information.​ 

As a coalition, we will continue to stand in solidarity with journalists who uphold the highest ethical standards. We pledge to advocate for policies that protect press freedom and defend against efforts to silence or intimidate reporters and news organizations.  

During this Ethics Week and beyond, let us reaffirm our commitment to principled journalism and the enduring value it brings to our society.​ 

Signed, 

Society of Professional Journalists
SPJ Professional Chapters of:

• Connecticut
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Houston
• Minnesota
• St. Louis

AAN Publishers
American Society of Journalists and Authors
American Society of Magazine Editors
American Society of Media Photographers
Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association (AMEJA)
Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA)
Associated Collegiate Press
Association of Foreign Press Correspondents
Association of Health Care Journalists
Authors Guild
Coalition For Women In Journalism
Education Writers Association (EWA)
Hawaii Professional Chapter of Society of Professional Journalists
Indigenous Journalists Association
International Society of Weekly Newspapers
Journalism & Women Symposium (JAWS)
Journalism Education Association
Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists
National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ)
National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ)
National Association of Science Writers
National Federation of Press Women
National Press Photographers Association
National Scholastic Press Association
New York News Publishers Association
NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists
North Dakota Newspaper Association
Online News Association
Park Center for Independent Media, Ithaca College
Project Censored
Public Media Journalists Association
Quill and Scroll
Radio Television Digital News Association
Rebuild Local News
Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
SAG-AFTRA
Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW)
Society for Features Journalism
Society of Environmental Journalists
SPJ Connecticut Pro Chapter
SPJ Houston Pro Chapter
St. Louis Society of Professional Journalists
Student Press Law Center
The American Jewish Press Association
The Georgia Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists
The Media and Democracy Project
The National Press Club
The NewsGuild of New York
The NewsGuild-CWA
Writers Guild of America East