Students show Resilience in Action in 2026
SPLC News

Student journalists, educators and supporters across the country came together Feb. 26 — and throughout the month of February — for the ninth annual Student Press Freedom Day. At a time when student journalists are facing escalating threats, this year’s event welcomed examples of resilience and resolve. 

Students used the day to educate their peers, share stories, advocate for press freedom protections and recommit to the work of reporting freely and courageously, knowing they’re not alone.

We’ve seen hundreds of inspiring editorials, videos, news stories, events, social media posts and more about student press freedom over the last two weeks. It’s impossible to capture them all, but we wanted to share a few!

From SPLC and our partners

  • During this year’s The State of Student Press Freedom webinar, five student journalists made it clear that students aren’t cowering in the face of censorship threats — they’re actively fighting them. The webinar showcased the power and resilience of student journalists. Above all, the student editors who spoke championed strength through togetherness. Read highlights here or watch the recording above.
  • A group of student media organizations — with lead support from the Student Press Law Center and Flytedesk — launched the Student Press Report, a new national effort to report on the challenges facing campus news outlets and the successes of college journalists. The initiative’s first story, Cash-starved and censored, America’s student press is in crisis, was picked up by the Poynter Institute.
  • The Journalism Education Association announced the winners of its 2026 First Amendment Press Freedom Award, which recognizes private and public high schools that actively support, teach and protect First Amendment rights and responsibilities of students and teachers.

College students’ editorials, op-eds, coverage, etc.

High school students’ editorials, op-eds, coverage, etc.

It doesn’t stop here

Student Press Freedom Day is one day, but our work continues year-round — and so does the work of student journalists, advisers and advocates. Here’s how you can stay involved and offer your support any time:

Sponsors

We would like to thank the following organizations for making Student Press Freedom Day possible:

We would also like to thank the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Skyline Foundation for their generous support of the Student Press Law Center and our programs, including Student Press Freedom Day.