Know and Protect Your Copyrights

A recent article by the Washington Post drew a different type of attention to President Trump's latest cartoon tweet. While national TV news broadcasts focused on the inflammatory nature of the image, the Post explored the origins of the cartoon.

The original editorial cartoon was drawn by Indianapolis Star cartoonist Gary Varvel. Since Gary and I taught together several years ago, I recognized the drawing as his style. It seems several others recognized his work and wondered about his views on the President's commentary.

This incident provides educators a great opportunity to remind students that reworks, mashups and covers all need permission and attribution from original sources. Copyright infringement occurs frequently and without thinking. Fortunately the Indianapolis Star has some influence and resources to protect it's brand, though I doubt they will get far against the White House. Individual artists have little to no resources for addressing copyright infringement.

While the law can be difficult to understand, Copyright Kids provides a simple explanation with links and resources, including curriculum for teachers.

Note: The photo is a drawing of a unicorn I made at the request of a K5 class. No one has asked to reproduce it.