On April 5, the Student Press Law Center, in collaboration with PEN America, will launch the first-ever Global Press Freedom Advocacy Institute for student journalists. Open to both high school and college journalists, the Institute is the first of its kind and will explore different dimensions of press freedom both in the United States and abroad.
“The United States’ approach to the First Amendment and press freedom is unique in many ways. In some aspects of press freedom we are ahead of other countries. In other aspects the United States is way behind. The ability to enable student journalists to compare and contrast various aspects of press freedom around the globe and delve into the tensions which are sparking controversy in the profession is a unique and very exciting opportunity. We are proud to partner with PEN America to make this Institute come to life,” said Hadar Harris, executive director of the Student Press Law Center.
The Institute will meet on Zoom, once a week for six weeks, starting on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 and culminating in an event to celebrate World Press Freedom Day, May 10, 2022. Among the topics that the Institute will cover are:
- Key Characteristics of Press Freedom in 2022 and What it Means for Student Journalists
- Access to Information – Here, There and Everywhere
- The Three I’s of Press Freedom: Independence, Impartiality and Integrity
- Cultural and Generational Perspectives on Journalistic Ethics
- Digital Security and Online Harassment
The program will include interactive components and participants will be joined by expert guest speakers from around the world.
As PEN America’s Niko Perez (the Institute’s co-director) said, “PEN America is so excited to be embarking on this groundbreaking Institute with the Student Press Law Center! This first-ever program of its kind brings two powerhouse advocacy organizations together to equip the rising generation of journalists and activists with new cross-cultural and transgenerational perspectives on journalistic principles, all while exploring free expression and access to information as essential, international human rights.”
Apply now! Generous financial aid is available and tuition should not be a barrier to attendance.
Student Press Law Center: Since 1974, the Student Press Law Center has worked to support, promote and defend the First Amendment and freedom of expression rights of student journalists at the high school and college level, and the advisers who support them. Working at the intersection of law, journalism and education, SPLC runs the nation’s only free legal hotline for student journalists. We also provide training, educational resources and support the grassroots non-partisan New Voices movement, seeking state-based legislative support for student press freedom. The SPLC is an independent, non-profit 501c(3) organization based in Washington, D.C.