The future of the student newspaper at Tates Creek High School in Lexington is unclear after the last edition contained an editorial the school principal calls unfair.

"I have just told the sponsor that until further notice, the newspaper may not be publishing in May," principal Bob Gardner said. "I haven't made a final decision."

A staff editorial in the April 11 edition of the Masthead complained about inconsistent discipline of students.

Based upon interviews with unnamed sources – including an athlete and a student office helper – the editorial contended that rules are bent for some students, such as athletes.

Gardner said his concern with the editorial was its apparent blanket indictment of coaches, counselors, law enforcement officers and the school administration.

"I understand it's an editorial and it's an opinion. But, I'm really not sure that some of their opinions were based on fact," he said. "There was no effort to seek out the 'other side of the story.'"

Student newspaper staffers stand by the editorial. "I think the administration is avoiding the issue rather than realizing we're giving them a tip here," said senior Jim Lerza, the paper's top student editor. "Countless teachers have said, 'Now I'm really glad the (paper) said that."

The newspaper is produced for a grade in a journalism class of 15 students. The paper is printed and sold about six times each school year.

The final edition of the paper, due out in May, is sentimental for students because it contains senior wills -- messages written by seniors to friends and underclassmen. The seniors pay a fee to have their messages published. Lerza said the staff needs to know Gardner's decision by today. If there is no paper, they'll have to refund $500 collected for senior wills, Lerza said.

Gardner, who was unsure when he will decide, said he appreciates the service the paper provides, but wants the journalists to consider the consequences of what they publish.

"Students don't understand how powerful the press is," he said. "I'm hoping to use this as a teachable moment."

Students said they are especially frustrated because Gardner could have vetoed the editorial before publication. A 1988 U.S. Supreme Court ruling allows public school principals to review and change a paper's content.

But Gardner said he didn't look at the opinion piece because he normally reads only items the paper's adviser, Amanda Tanis, flags as controversial. Tanis deferred comment to Gardner.

Junior Hilary Conkright said students question the administration's response.

"It's a student newspaper, and when we use it to voice our opinions, it's censored," she said. "I don't think it's fair."

Mathematics teacher Maureen Batts said students exercised their free speech and raised an issue. She sees nothing wrong with that. "These kids noticed there are rules not being enforced," she said. "There are things not being handled consistently. I agree with that."