New Voices in New York (2020)

Current status: A3079 and S2297B were assigned to the Assembly and Senate Education committees. The New York legislature does not generally do public hearings. Conversations between advocates and legislatures indicated the bill was heading for a vote, but the interruption of the legislative session by COVID-19 hampered those efforts.

In 2019, for the second time, New York is considered New Voices legislation to protect student press freedom. A3079, sponsored by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, and S2297A, sponsored by Senator Brian Kavanagh, were introduced in the New York state legislature in January 2019.

On April 30, 2019, more than 80 high school journalists, their advisers and other supporters traveled to Albany to meet with lawmakers. While there, the advocates held a news conference to bring attention to the need for New Voices legislation.

On January 29, 2020, the Assembly passed a resolution declaring January 29, 2020 as Student Press Freedom Day.

In July 2020, the Senate Education committee amended the legislation to resolve concerns raised by the NYCLU. These amendments make the legislation stronger, and advocates are pushing for passage of S2297B as well as corresponding amendments to A3079.

Shortcuts:
• Get involved
• Why New York needs New Voices
• Endorsements
• Recent news

Get involved

  • Contact your state legislators to let them know why this legislation is important to you. Find out who your senator is here, and your assemblymember here. Not sure what to say? Check out our phone script and letter-writing tips here.
  • Learn the basics about the New York Senate, and the Assembly.
  • Get your friends and colleagues involved. Download and share this flier, find answers to frequently asked questions, or find other resources here.
  • Follow and share content from @NewVoicesNY on Twitter.
  • Like and share posts on the New Voices of New York Facebook page.
  • Get looped in with volunteer coordinators to let them know about your efforts. And, please get in touch if you are or were a student journalist (or adviser) who was the target of censorship, intimidation or retaliation:

Why New York needs New Voices

Endorsements

The Deadline Club – Society of Professional Journalists

You can see the list of national endorsers at the bottom of this page.

Recent News