COVID-19 update
Aug. 30, 2022
JEA and NSPA announce COVID-19 vaccinations will no longer be required to attend the JEA/NSPA National High School Journalism Convention Nov. 10-13, 2022, in St. Louis.
We are adapting our requirements to reflect pandemic-related guidelines across the country. Convention registration remains scheduled to open at noon Central Tuesday, Sept. 13.
First and foremost, we care about the safety and health of our attendees as we prepare for an event that is educational, accessible and inclusive.
We strongly encourage attendees to be vaccinated, but vaccinations are not mandatory to attend the fall convention. Masking will also be optional for all attendees.
The previous COVID-19 vaccination policy, announced in mid-August, was developed as JEA and NSPA staffs tracked pandemic phases across the country, reviewed event policies from other national conferences this fall and assessed our successful spring 2022 convention, which required proof of vaccination. Convention officials did not survey our membership before that decision, and since then we have distributed the School Travel Policy Survey to our members and other past convention attendees.
After listening to member feedback, analyzing the survey results and consulting with a legal team to ensure we follow local guidelines, we have updated our policy and removed the vaccination requirement.
JEA and NSPA will continue to require each attendee to agree to a Code of Conduct and Liability Waiver as part of the registration process. This form is included in the health screening portal.
We also ask all attendees to monitor their own health, avoid endangering others and respect the safety measures employed by fellow attendees.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends attendees test for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to travel and convention attendance. Immediately prior to the convention, if you have been exposed to COVID-19, if you are in COVID-19-related isolation, or if you have COVID-19 symptoms, do not travel to the convention. For this convention only, COVID-related registration refunds, which may not apply to some Extras, will be available prior to Nov. 10.
If a student or any attendee becomes ill or tests positive during the event, the school bringing the student is responsible for housing and all associated costs. JEA and NSPA will not be liable or responsible for those costs.
JEA and NSPA highly recommend attendees wear masks during group transportation to and from the convention, including bus and air travel. Please follow local guidelines as you adhere to your school district’s policies.
The health of all attendees is important as we look forward to another successful high school journalism convention this fall.
