Last updated April 7, 2025, with additional signatories
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The Student Press Law Center and 14 other free speech and journalism organizations released a letter condemning the detention of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk reportedly based on opinions expressed in a student newspaper op-ed.
“Such a basis for her detention would represent a blatant disregard for the principles of free speech and free press within the First Amendment, and we call on Tufts University officials, Massachusetts lawmakers and federal authorities to take immediate action to secure her release,” the letter states.
The groups include: Student Press Law Center, Freedom of the Press Foundation, PEN America, New England First Amendment Coalition, National Press Photographers Association, Society of Professional Journalists, Associated Collegiate Press, National Scholastic Press Association, Quill and Scroll, College Media Association, Journalism Education Association, New England Scholastic Press Association, Radio Television Digital News Association, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, National Association of Science Writers.
The full letter is below.
The Student Press Law Center promotes, supports and defends the free press rights of student journalists and their advisers. As the nation’s only legal nonprofit focused on the rights of student journalists, SPLC provides information, training and legal assistance at no charge to high school and college student journalists and the educators who work with them.