Laws, Ethics, & News Literacy
At the beginning of the year, I learned about journalism ethics, proper sourcing, and all the expectations outlined in the Scot Scoop and Carlmont Journalism guidelines. Since then, I’ve worked to make sure everything I write or edit follows those standards. Whether I’m covering light topics or more sensitive issues, I try to stay fair, accurate, and respectful. I understand how important it is to double-check sources, avoid bias, and write responsibly—especially in a time where misinformation spreads so easily online. Being part of this program has taught me how to think critically, ask better questions, and make ethical choices with every article I’m part of.
Fact- Checking
At Scot Scoop, we follow strict sourcing and fact-checking standards to make sure our work is accurate, fair, and trustworthy. We avoid using vague or unreliable websites and always try to verify information through multiple credible sources. As I took on more editing responsibilities, fact-checking became even more important to me. I had to double-check every quote to make sure it was original, confirm that hyperlinks worked and led to reputable sources, and ensure that the information in every article was correct before publishing.
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I also made sure that my own articles—and the ones I edited—included at least three reliable, unbiased sources. I looked for variety in age, background, and expertise, especially for more complex or sensitive topics. Sourcing is a huge part of ethical journalism, and Scot Scoop has clear, strict policies that helped guide every step of the reporting and editing process.
Ethical Sourcing & Anonymity
At Scot Scoop, we use anonymous sourcing only when necessary—when naming someone could lead to real harm, like emotional distress, legal consequences, or disciplinary action. This policy helps us protect sources who share sensitive information, and only the writer, editor, and Editor-in-Chief ever know their identity. It’s a core part of maintaining both ethical standards and trust in our reporting.
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I’ve used this policy in two of my articles—one involving a source who spoke about a peer with disabilities, and another where a student opened up about their personal experience with birth control. In both cases, revealing names could have caused unnecessary harm or judgment. Anonymity allowed these stories to be told honestly and safely, which is exactly what responsible journalism should do
I used this policy in my article on students with silent disabilities—like dyslexia, ADHD, or social anxiety—who face real challenges that often go unnoticed. One source shared personal struggles, and naming them could’ve caused emotional harm. Anonymity let their story be told while protecting their privacy.
I used anonymous sourcing in my article on emergency contraception to protect a student who shared their personal experience using Plan B. Given the stigma and political sensitivity around reproductive health, naming them could have caused emotional harm. Anonymity ensured their voice could be included without risking their privacy.