An unprecedented threat required a bold response.
That’s why, this April, the Student Press Law Center issued our first-ever Student Media Alert modifying decades-old guidance and laying out the newly hostile reporting environment in stark terms for editors and advisers.
We started hearing concerns from student journalists through our Legal Hotline as federal immigration raids and increased surveillance were ramping up. But it was the detention of Tufts University international student Rümeysa Öztürk — for merely writing an op-ed in a student newspaper — that made the stakes unmistakably clear.
In student newsrooms, the chilling effect was immediate and severe. Editors received a flood of takedown requests from sources or contributors fearful that their past speech might now affect their safety. Sources were afraid to speak at all moving forward, even on mundane topics. Some student journalists stepped back from storytelling and reporting altogether.
Stanford Daily editor Greta Reich told the Associated Press it was “wildly concerning.”
“When we have an entire section of the student body scared to have their stories told, that’s a significant portion of the life of Stanford that just isn’t being told,” she said.
Editors and educators turned to us for guidance.
As hotline requests spiked, we quickly convened a coalition of national student media organizations to provide public-facing resources for those grappling with threats to student speech. The Student Media Alert encouraged newsrooms to revisit policies around takedown requests and anonymous sourcing — something journalists have long avoided — particularly when immigration status could put students at legal risk.
As a result, student editorial boards across the country relied on SPLC’s guidance as they made decisions to balance safety, ethics, legality and press freedom.
In moments of calm and crisis — including unprecedented periods like this — SPLC is a steady source of guidance and support. In addition to the Student Media Alert, we released a legal FAQ, hosted an expert webinar, condemned Öztürk’s arrest and convened an off-the-record virtual town hall for college editors. All of these helped students navigate the evolving issue, report with confidence and build community to share notes and ask questions in real-time.
Student journalists at Rice University were among those who realized they needed to revisit their policies as they heard from terrified members of their community.
“Through all of it, SPLC was right there to help,” said Chris Evans, director of Rice’s Department of Student Media. “Knowing SPLC had our back reminded us we weren’t in it alone. We felt supported every step of the way. In moments like these, that kind of support means everything.”
As events unfolded, we served as a steady source of guidance and support.
Our legal team continued to answer questions on the hotline, while serving as a go-to source for national media covering the story. Combining deep legal expertise, commitment to student press freedom and a track record of trusted support, we helped shape how student newsrooms and national media alike understood and responded to the evolving crisis.
About the Student Press Law Center: The Student Press Law Center is the nation’s only legal organization devoted exclusively to defending and advancing the free press rights of student journalists. Since 1974, we have helped students and their educators navigate the law, strengthen their reporting and stand up for press freedom. Our legal support, education and advocacy empower student journalists to report freely and courageously. Learn more at splc.org.