Press Freedom in Your State

Who We Are

The Student Press Law Center works at the intersection of law, journalism and education to promote, support and defend the rights of student journalists and their advisers at the high school and college levels.

The nonprofit, nonpartisan SPLC provides information, training and legal assistance at no charge to student journalists and the educators who work with them. Founded in 1974, the SPLC is a small and scrappy outfit based in Washington, D.C. with an outsized impact across the country.

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FOI Lawsuit Template

If a government agency denies your request for records, use our templates to file a complaint in court and learn about legal options in your state.

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Recent News

Nebraska New Voices legislation not likely to pass in 2019, but there is optimism about the future

March 26, 2019 A New Voices bill in Nebraska will likely not make it to the governor’s desk this year. Advocates, and staff for Sen. Adam Morfeld who is sponsoring LB206, said the bill has successfully passed through legislative committees and is on the floor of the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature. But largely due to timing,… Continue reading Nebraska New Voices legislation not likely to pass in 2019, but there is optimism about the future

NEWS RELEASE: Student Press Law Center Statement on Government Involvement in Promoting “Free Inquiry”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 22, 2019 Contact: Diana Mitsu Klos, SPLC director of engagement, (202) 728-7267 dmk@splc.org We are concerned by the attempt by government to insert itself into “free inquiry” and the debates around free speech on campus at both the federal and state level. Since 1974, the Student Press Law Center has been… Continue reading NEWS RELEASE: Student Press Law Center Statement on Government Involvement in Promoting “Free Inquiry”

Ask SPLC: Can I use copyrighted material as long as I credit the source?

Q.  Can I use copyrighted material (online or otherwise) as long as I properly credit the source? A.  Simply giving credit (for example, “Photo courtesy of The New York Times”) usually isn’t enough. Unless you can make a fair use argument or unless you’re certain that material is not protected by copyright (for example, works… Continue reading Ask SPLC: Can I use copyrighted material as long as I credit the source?