As the Student Press Law Center prepares to start another school year of supporting powerful journalism and defending student press freedom, the organization is proud to welcome longtime journalist and academic administrator John Haskins to the organization’s Board of Directors.
“With his energy, enthusiasm and contacts, John will be a welcome addition to the SPLC board,” Board Chair Steve A. Holmes said.
Haskins spent more than three decades at The New York Times, where he served in multiple senior editor roles, including as managing editor of The New York Times Magazine. For three years, he directed the Times’ Student Journalism Institute, a recruitment and training program for diverse young journalists that placed graduates at the Times and other major newsrooms.
From 2020 to 2025, Haskins served as dean of student life at Columbia Journalism School, where he also oversaw the school’s professional prizes and programs.
“John has spent his career opening doors for the next generation of journalists, from leading the Times’ Student Journalism Institute to supporting students as a dean at Columbia Journalism School,” said Gary Green, SPLC’s executive director. “As student journalists face growing pressure to stay silent, his experience training and standing up for young reporters will be a real asset to our board.”
“The Student Law Press Center provides an ever-more crucial role in defending the free press rights of students, and I am eager to contribute to those efforts,” Haskins said.
SPLC’s Board of Directors consists of up to 20 volunteers from across the fields of journalism, education, law, philanthropy and nonprofit management. Board members serve three-year terms that are renewable for one additional term.
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. Stay updated by subscribing at splc.org/newsletter.