Upper school students in the Topics in Global Studies class delved into the complex intersection of national security and journalistic ethics during a class focused on the recent Signal app leak of confidential defense information by high-ranking government officials.

The class, which is preparing to begin a unit on digital security, AI, international relations, and foreign policy, grappled with thought-provoking questions on the balance between press freedom and safeguarding national interests.

Director of Global Education Laura Bowe and Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications Adriana Hauser, a former news correspondent with over a decade of journalistic experience covering domestic and international events, guided the exploration. Hauser brought firsthand experience to the conversation, presenting examples from her years as a journalist and sharing her thoughts on sensitive stories involving whistleblowers, personal safety, and national security concerns.

Camila Pajares ’27 was interested in the role of whistleblowers in the public’s right to know.

Hauser explained that whistleblowers play a vital role in the public's right to know by exposing corruption, fraud, and unethical practices that threaten transparency and accountability. However, for this to truly benefit society rather than pose a risk, it should be done responsibly — protecting innocent individuals from collateral damage and ensuring disclosures serve the public interest.

"If a whistleblower comes to your press company with a huge scandal, what is the process of confirming and releasing his information?" Lexi Perry ’27 inquired.

Hauser outlined how news organizations verify whistleblower information through multi-step processes that establish source credibility, seek independent confirmation, and involve legal consultation. She emphasized the delicate balance between public interest and potential harm, noting that source protection remains paramount throughout the verification process.

Devon Lehneis ’25 posed a direct ethical question: "Do you think it was right of Jeffrey Goldberg to release the texts from the group chat?"

The former correspondent acknowledged the complexity of such decisions, explaining that Goldberg likely considered factors including the public interest in governmental handling of sensitive information and the circumstances of how the information was exposed. She described how journalists consult security experts to determine what content can be responsibly published, emphasizing that ethical publication decisions are rarely straightforward.

"How does the spread of misinformation and propaganda make it more difficult for journalists to report the truth, especially in political scandals like Signal Gate?" asked Ava Gunthel ’26.

Hauser recognized that misinformation makes it even more paramount to rely on credible sources, fact-check information, and understand the legal and moral implications of publishing controversial material. She emphasized that when competing narratives flood the public sphere, establishing credibility requires exceptional diligence and transparency about journalistic methods.

The session showcased King School's educational approach, where students don't just engage with theoretical concepts but connect their learning to current events with guidance from professionals who have navigated these complex landscapes. The timely subject matter provided students with an opportunity to apply critical thinking to current events that have dominated recent headlines.