The Council in September 2003 made three alterations to its Principles of Accreditation. The changes are:

"Mission of journalism and mass communications"
Original: The mission of journalism and mass communications professions in a democratic society is to inform, to enlighten and to champion the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. They seek to enable people to fulfill their responsibilities as citizens who mean to govern themselves.

Revised: The mission of journalism and mass communications professions in a democratic society is to inform, to enlighten and to champion freedom of speech and press. These professions seek to enable people to fulfill their responsibilities as citizens who mean to govern themselves.

"Professional values and competencies"
Original: ... Irrespective of their particular specialization, all graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:
• understand and apply First Amendment principles and the law appropriate to professional practice;
...
• work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;

Revised: ... Irrespective of their particular specialization, all graduates should be aware of certain core values and competencies and be able to:
• understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances;
...
• demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity;