The Student Press Law Center’s work is only possible thanks to the support of generous donors from across the country. Our Donor Spotlight shares occasional stories of those supporters who champion student journalists through their generous donations to our organization. Thank you to everyone who promotes this work!
Pratika Katiyar’s unwavering commitment to student press freedom began in high school. Now an activist working in privacy at the ACLU, Pratika’s connection with the Student Press Law Center started in a moment of uncertainty.
“I first heard about the Student Press Law Center in high school, when I was editor of our school’s newsmagazine,” Pratika recalls. As she debated how to publish sensitive stories that critiqued school policies and tackled crucial student issues like mental health and diversity, she frantically Googled “student press rights.” This led her to SPLC’s Legal Hotline. “It was the first time I realized there was actually an organization out there fighting for students like me.” This discovery sparked her involvement, leading to active participation in Virginia’s New Voices movement, where she testified for legislation and joined SPLC’s inaugural New Voices Student Leaders Institute.
Pratika’s first donation to SPLC, made as a college student, was a direct reflection of her gratitude and understanding of the organization’s impact. “I knew what it meant to have someone in your corner,” she said. “Supporting SPLC felt like a way to pay it forward for every young journalist who’s been silenced by censorship or scared into self-censorship.” She continues to support SPLC due to its comprehensive approach. “SPLC doesn’t just show up in moments of crisis, but rather they invest in long-term advocacy to help preserve the present and future of journalism.”
While in college, Pratika served on SPLC’s Board of Directors as its student representative, and found it to be a transformative experience. “I served during such a tumultuous time with the mass political and social movements impacting young voices and free expression,” she notes. She highlights her efforts in garnering support for SPLC’s resources, including a significant media tour during Student Press Freedom Day 2024, and her contributions to SPLC’s 50th anniversary celebration.
“I’m most interested in how SPLC blends legal expertise (the free Legal Hotline) with a grassroots movement (New Voices) that aims to remedy students’ First Amendment rights in states across the U.S.” This dual approach, she believes, is unparalleled. “SPLC’s advocacy and legal work shows that they are focused on both protecting student journalists in urgent moments and transforming the legal landscape to safeguard their rights long-term. That combination is unique and powerful. No other organization supports student voices so tirelessly during these dark times for our media ecosystem.” She describes SPLC as both a “first responder and a long-term advocate. They’re there when student journalists face immediate threats — like getting arrested for covering a protest — and they’re also working behind the scenes to change the policies that allow such injustices to happen in the first place.”
For Pratika, defending the rights of student journalists and their advisers is essential. “Student journalists are often the first to investigate issues others overlook,” she said, citing their groundbreaking work on issues including uncovering administrative changes and abuses of power. “Young voices matter. But too often, they’re censored by their very own institutions. Defending their rights is about defending democracy at its roots.” In an era rife with disinformation and attacks on the press, this work, she emphasizes, is not just important — it’s urgent.
Through her philanthropy, Pratika aspires to “build a future where no student feels alone or powerless for telling the truth” and to foster an environment where youth journalism flourishes, especially in communities grappling with declining local news access.
She hopes that others will support SPLC because “they’re protecting one of the most fundamental pillars of our democracy: a free and independent press.” Her advice to prospective donors is simple yet powerful: “Don’t underestimate the impact of your gift, no matter the size. Support doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. What matters is showing up!”
Are you interested in sharing why you support the Student Press Law Center and student journalists? Please reach out to our team to share your story to be featured in the future. If you would like to learn how you can support this work, please visit our Ways to Give page.