Category: Uncategorized

Reporting on #MeToo presentation

This presentation is about reporting on #MeToo issues (meaning sexual harassment, discrimination or abuse issues). This presentation will provide basic information about how to go about tackling #MeToo news stories on your school campus and in your community so that you can make more informed decisions as you investigate this topic. This presentation will also… Continue reading Reporting on #MeToo presentation

NEWS RELEASE: SPLC joins AAJA statement decrying racism during the COVID-19 pandemic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2020 The Student Press Law Center has added its support to a statement from the Asian American Journalists Association denouncing anti-Asian racism during the coronavirus pandemic. "There is no place for racist and inflammatory language or sentiments in the reporting or coverage of the current coronavirus pandemic. The Student Press Law Center is… Continue reading NEWS RELEASE: SPLC joins AAJA statement decrying racism during the COVID-19 pandemic

How can I access information about my school’s plans to cope with COVID-19?

Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: I am trying to figure out what my school is doing to cope with COVID-19. How can I access information about their plans? A: Your school’s budget has been set since the beginning of the year. But… Continue reading How can I access information about my school’s plans to cope with COVID-19?

NEWS RELEASE: Colorado expands student press freedom; protects advisers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2020 Contact: Hillary Davis, New Voices Advocacy and Campaign Organizer hdavis@splc.org Governor Jared Polis has signed into law legislation expanding the press freedom of Colorado’s student journalists.  Sponsored by Rep. Barbara McLachlan (D-59), herself a former journalism teacher, HB20-1062 brings Colorado’s law in line with the other New Voices laws that have passed… Continue reading NEWS RELEASE: Colorado expands student press freedom; protects advisers

Can my access to meetings be limited due to COVID-19?

Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: Can my access to meetings be limited due to COVID-19? A: If you normally would have access to the meetings (and they continue to occur), you have a right to be present. In other words, COVID-19 cannot… Continue reading Can my access to meetings be limited due to COVID-19?

NEWS RELEASE: The Student Press Law Center demands remedial actions for stolen issues of Virginia Commonwealth University’s student newspaper

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2020 Contact: Diana Mitsu Klos, director of engagement (202) 728-7267/ dmk@splc.org The Student Press Law Center joins Foundation for Individual Rights in Education in calling for Virginia Commonwealth University’s Student Government Association to rectify a newspaper theft and recommit to upholding student journalists' First Amendment rights. Addressed to SGA President Breanna… Continue reading NEWS RELEASE: The Student Press Law Center demands remedial actions for stolen issues of Virginia Commonwealth University’s student newspaper

Is my publication responsible for libelous quotes from third parties?

Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: Is my publication responsible for libelous quotes from third parties or libelous statements contributors make, such as in guest columns?A: In print or broadcast media, yes. If you publish it, you are taking ownership of it, regardless… Continue reading Is my publication responsible for libelous quotes from third parties?

Can we create an online directory of alumni that includes their photos and graduation dates?

Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: Can we (student media staff) create an online directory of alumni that includes their photos and graduation dates? A: You can certainly create a directory that includes the names and graduation dates of former students. No special… Continue reading Can we create an online directory of alumni that includes their photos and graduation dates?

Do open meetings laws apply to public school student governments?

Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: Does the student government at my public school have to abide by my state's open meetings laws? A: Maybe. Open meetings laws vary by state, and most courts haven’t specifically ruled on whether state open meetings laws apply… Continue reading Do open meetings laws apply to public school student governments?