Author: Student Press Law Center

SPLC statement on supporting Black journalists and dismantling systemic racism

"The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”– Ida B. Wells, The Light of Truth: Writings of an Anti-Lynching Crusader Black Lives Matter. The stories of Black lives matter. The telling of those stories and objective reporting of those truths matter. The Student Press Law Center stands by the efforts of Black… Continue reading SPLC statement on supporting Black journalists and dismantling systemic racism

How to communicate to police that you’re a journalist while covering a protest

Law enforcement may not be familiar with the student press. They may see you only as students, and not know or understand the essential role of student journalists in covering public events such as protests. This letter may be helpful in providing law enforcement with evidence of your claims. Carry a physical copy (do not… Continue reading How to communicate to police that you’re a journalist while covering a protest

The Student Press Law Center condemns the attack on Ohio State University student journalists who were covering protests

The Student Press Law Center, joined by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education and the College Media Association, condemns the attack on student journalists from Ohio State University who were covering a protest in Columbus on June 1. Journalists from The Lantern were lawfully covering a protest taking place adjacent to the campus. Confronted… Continue reading The Student Press Law Center condemns the attack on Ohio State University student journalists who were covering protests

Student Press Law Center condemns arrest of CNN crew in Minneapolis as an affront to U.S. democracy and example of racial bias

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 29, 2020 Contact: Diana Mitsu Klos, director of engagement (202) 728-7267/ dmk@splc.org Download the statement as a PDF The Student Press Law Center condemns in the strongest terms the arrest of CNN journalist Omar Jimenez and his crew in Minneapolis during a live broadcast early this morning, Friday, May 29. Jimenez was… Continue reading Student Press Law Center condemns arrest of CNN crew in Minneapolis as an affront to U.S. democracy and example of racial bias

COVID-19 coverage by student journalists

Student journalist have been at the forefront of news reporting amid the coronavirus outbreak. In this unprecedented time, student reporters are working together, sometimes from thousands of miles apart, to cover campus and community news. In recognition of the essential work of student journalist, the Student Press Law Center has put together a list featuring… Continue reading COVID-19 coverage by student journalists

WEBINAR: SPLC and PEN America talk to leading college journalists about how COVID-19 has changed their newsrooms

Student journalists discussed their transition to remote reporting via Zoom in a virtual roundtable with SPLC and PEN America on Friday, April 24

https://youtu.be/qLO97YLr57s On April 24, the Student Press Law Center and PEN America’s Campus Free Speech Program hosted an online forum with college journalists who discussed the challenges they are facing because of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The forum was moderated by Nicholas “Niko” Perez, program coordinator for campus free speech at PEN America. It also featured… Continue reading WEBINAR: SPLC and PEN America talk to leading college journalists about how COVID-19 has changed their newsrooms

PRESS RELEASE: Virginia expands college press freedom protections

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2020 Contact: Hillary Davis, New Voices Advocacy and Campaign Organizerhdavis@splc.org Governor Ralph Northam has signed legislation codifying press freedom protections for student journalists at colleges and universities and protecting college media advisers from retaliation for refusing to infringe upon those protections. Sponsored by Delegate Chris Hurst, HB36 ensures that student journalists… Continue reading PRESS RELEASE: Virginia expands college press freedom protections