The Student Press Law Center and the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression sent a joint letter Aug. 12 to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville officials.
The letter expresses concerns after the university’s communications director required her presence at interviews between The Alestle and university staff, calling it “non-negotiable.”
“SIUE must end this practice if it is to live up to its stated commitment to student press freedom and its constitutional obligations as a public institution,” the letter said.
Related coverage in The Alestle and the university’s response to that coverage:
- BREAKING: ‘An attempt to control the story:’ Admin demands presence in some Alestle interviews (July 20, The Alestle)
- LETTER TO THE EDITOR: An open letter to the university (July 27; Paula Bridges, Executive Director of University Marketing and Communications)
- LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Setting the record straight on admin’s claims (July 27; Dylan Hembrough, Editor-in-Chief, The Alestle)
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.