New Voices

New Voices is a student-powered nonpartisan grassroots movement of state-based activists who seek to protect student press freedom with state laws. These laws counteract the impact of the 1988 Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier Supreme Court decision, which dramatically changed the balance of student press rights. New Voices supporters include advocates in law, education, journalism and civics who want schools and colleges to be more welcoming places for student voices.

NEW: Take Action in Your State

Looking for a way to make a difference in your community? Use this state-by-state guide to find out exactly what you can do to restore and protect student press freedom, no matter where you live.

On March 23, 2023, West Virginia became the 17th state to restore and protect student press freedom! Congratulations and thank you to the advocates who made this possible.

The 2023 legislative year is underway. As of February 15, 2023, New Voices bills have been introduced in Connecticut, Missouri, Kentucky, New York and West Virginia. States are just beginning their legislative sessions, and more bills are expected.

Active New Voices campaigns are also at work in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

For more information or to get involved, contact our New Voices Advocacy and Organizing Team at newvoices@splc.org. Along with your contact information (including city and state), please indicate if you’re a student, educator or other interested party.

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Model Bill

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Annotated & Explained Bill

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Map indicating that the states with student press freedom laws are: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia

Here are the 17 states with laws that protect the First Amendment rights of student journalists:

Read the specifics about the laws and regulations here. In addition, Virginia law protects the rights of college students only, and there are codes protecting the rights of student journalists in the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania.

During state legislative sessions in 2018, bills were introduced in seven states and passed into law in one (Washington).

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FAQs

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Talking Points

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Flyer

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Key tools and resources

Additional Reading

Timeline of Student Press Legislative Protections