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Veritas

Veritas

Veritas

About

Founded as a Verde Magazine Exclusive in 2018, Veritas is Palo Alto High School’s student-run science and technology magazine. In Spring of 2023, Veritas was restarted after being dormant for 5 years.

Mission Statement: 

In Silicon Valley, and specifically in Palo Alto, we are lucky enough to have the opportunity to grow from some of the most progressive minds in assorted STEM fields. Palo Alto High School has a thriving community of students who are ready to share their discoveries. However, at the same time, many students might also feel intimidated by, or disinterested in these fields despite its proximity to and importance in our daily lives. 

Veritas hopes to bridge the gap between these students and STEM by repackaging scientific content to be interesting for all, promoting a flexible approach to scientific education, and embracing new approaches to science and technology without hindrance by tradition.

AI Policy:

Artificial intelligence and the rise of ChatGPT has brought on discussions of the originality of student writing and art. Veritas prides itself in only publishing work created directly by students. As such, all art, writing, and photos in Veritas are solely produced by students — although we do allow tools such as ChatGPT and Murrow to be used for basic ideation (with case-by-case editor permission).

Byline policy

Story bylines include the names of all staff writers who contributed to the story. Signed columns or reviews represent only the opinions of individual authors. Editorials represent the viewpoint of the entire staff and the topic is subject to extensive discussion, review, and decision among the entire staff.

Code of Ethics 

1) Be responsible.

  • Keep yourself and your biases separate from your coverage.
  • Understand your rights as a student journalist as guaranteed by state and federal law.
  • Make informed decisions about the use of your power as a journalist.
  • Demonstrate credibility and integrity outside of journalistic work.

2) Be fair.

  • Approach news and events without predisposed notions regarding the events and phenomena occurring.
  • Explore controversial topics with a neutral agenda.
  • Do not use your position as a journalist to favor certain sources or opinions.
  • Welcome diverse perspectives and viewpoints.
  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

3) Be honest.

  • Never plagiarize work.
  • Avoid using imaginary or hypothetical scenarios.
  • Do not assume all sources are correct and corroborate any questionable assertions posed by sources.
  • Ensure all sources grant permission to record video or audio before proceeding.

4) Be accurate.

  • Reporting based on first hand experience whenever possible.
  • Fact-check all articles.
  • Ensure all quotes and facts are put together in a truthful and unbiased narrative with appropriate and accurate context.

5) Be independent.

  • Accept no gifts or favors that could compromise your journalistic independence.
  • Hold school officials and other persons in power accountable when student control of student media is threatened.
  • Learn state laws regarding freedom of information

6) Minimize harm.

  • Think through the possible implications of all stories and prepare accordingly.
  • Be careful when covering issues involving sources who endured traumatic or distressing experiences.
  • Balance the public’s right to information with an individual’s right to privacy.
  • Avoid naming people involved in illegal activities.

7) Be accountable.

  • Publicize mistakes or corrections made to any stories.
  • Highlight unethical practices and remedy them.
  • Use anonymous sources sparingly.
  • Provide opportunities for criticism from readers and viewers