Press Freedom in Your State

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With schools shut down and more than 55 million students learning remotely, student journalists at the high school and college levels are on the front line reporting about the impact of the pandemic on their generation. Their work is essential, and the Student Press Law Center’s work to assist and defend them is too.

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 based in Washington, D.C.

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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

Student journalists covering protests face unprecedented violence from police

Student journalists covering nationwide demonstrations against police brutality and systemic racism are being met with unprecedented pushback from law enforcement. According to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, there have been more than 440 reported aggressions against the press — including high school and college journalists — covering public protests in at least 140 cities across… Continue reading Student journalists covering protests face unprecedented violence from police

SPLC statement on supporting Black journalists and dismantling systemic racism

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”– Ida B. Wells, The Light of Truth: Writings of an Anti-Lynching Crusader Black Lives Matter.  The stories of Black lives matter.  The telling of those stories and objective reporting of those truths matter.  The Student Press Law Center stands by the… Continue reading SPLC statement on supporting Black journalists and dismantling systemic racism

How to communicate to police that you’re a journalist while covering a protest

Law enforcement may not be familiar with the student press. They may see you only as students, and not know or understand the essential role of student journalists in covering public events such as protests. This letter may be helpful in providing law enforcement with evidence of your claims. Carry a physical copy (do not… Continue reading How to communicate to police that you’re a journalist while covering a protest