Takedown Policy

Content Removal Policy

The Wildcat Chronicle serves as a public journalistic record of the West Chicago Community High School community. As such, we do not remove or significantly alter published content unless there is a compelling legal or safety concern.

Editorial Policy on Takedown Requests

Requests to remove published material will be considered on a case-by-case basis. According to our staff manual:

“The editorial board will weigh the journalistic value of the piece against the reasons for the request. Unless there is a compelling legal or safety concern, published work will not be altered or removed.”

This policy is designed to maintain the integrity and historical accuracy of our publication and is consistent with industry-wide standards in professional journalism.

Photo and Caption Policy

Photos taken during school events or in public spaces—such as assemblies, performances, and academic presentations—may be published with accompanying captions that identify individuals. Per our Photography Guidelines:

“All photographs and videos must be taken in the ‘public eye’ and may not use invasive techniques that violate a person’s privacy. The photographer or videographer MUST write down the names of students and their year in school so that information can be included in the caption/cutline accurately.”

Photos will not be removed or altered unless there is a documented safety concern.

Copyright and Licensing

All contributors to the Wildcat Chronicle sign a copyright agreement at the beginning of each school year. This agreement grants the publication a permanent license to publish and retain submitted content in perpetuity:

“In submitting the work to the newspaper for publication, the student gives the Wildcat Chronicle a permanent license to use that work.”

This policy protects our right to maintain published work, including written stories, photography, video, and multimedia. Contributors retain the right to include their content in portfolios and contests, but cannot request takedowns unless a copyright violation or legal issue is substantiated.

Corrections, Not Deletions

When a factual error is identified, we correct it promptly in accordance with our Corrections Policy:

“Minor spelling and grammar mistakes will be corrected… More substantive errors do require formal, public correction in the form of a note placed at the bottom of the article.”

We do not remove entire articles for personal regret, changed circumstances, or at the request of a source, unless a serious and verifiable issue is present.