Highlights from Year of the Student Journalist
News

Spearheaded by SPLC, the Freedom Forum Institute and the Newseum, the Year of the Student Journalist will consists of a calendar year (2019) of high-profile national programming and local student-led events designed to raise awareness about the important role of student journalists, the struggles they face, the need for state-based legislation to protect the First Amendment rights of student journalists and their advisers (New Voices), and to validate the importance of journalism education. 

This page will be updated throughout 2019. For the latest news about Year of Student Journalist, subscribe to SPLC’s newsletter, follow us on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook. Join the conversation by using #StudentPressFreedom.

Events (aside from featured events) are listed in chronological order. Not all Year of the Student Journalist events are mentioned. If you’d like your event included in this list, fill out this form.

Ongoing: Coordinated Op-Ed Campaign

More than 50 student publications across the country have published columns about the importance of a free student press. If you join the campaign, let us know so we can add you to our list.

Featured Event: #Tinkerversary

Feb. 18-28 — Anniversary of Tinker vs. Des Moines Independent Community School District

A celebration of youth voices and the 50th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in favor of student speech. All February events include Mary Beth & John Tinker. See all #Tinkerversary events.

Jan. 30 — Student Press Freedom Day

The kickoff event of Year of the Student Journalist included students around the country writing op-eds, hosting events, and flooding social media with #StudentPressFreedom messages. The Newseum also unveiled displays with the first selection of the Student Front Pages Project.

Feb. 17-24 — Scholastic Journalism Week

The Journalism Education Association hosted Scholastic Journalism Week Feb. 17-24, 2019, ending on the anniversary of the Tinker decision. Students, advisers and advocates took to social media to raise community consciousness regarding the benefits of scholastic journalism.

March 10-16 — Sunshine Week

Each year, ASNE and Reporters Committee organize Sunshine Week, a nationwide celebration of access to public information and what it means for you and your community. See more.

Upcoming events: