New Voices

The voices of student journalists need to be protected and advanced, now more than ever. 

New Voices is a student-powered nonpartisan grassroots movement of state-based activists who seek to protect student press freedom. They include advocates in law, education, journalism and civics to make schools and colleges more welcoming places for student voices.

As of the fall of 2018, there are New Voices laws in 14 states: Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. In addition, there are codes protecting the rights of student journalists in the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania.

Read the specifics about the laws and regulations here or by clicking on the map on this page.

During state legislative sessions in 2017-18, bills were pending in seven states and passed into law in one (Washington). Information about the status of bills during the 2018-19 legislative season will be posted here as information becomes available.

Resources

Get Involved

Join your state’s campaign on Facebook: 

Note: If your state does not have an active New Voices page on Facebook, you’ll be directed to the state volunteer coordinator or SPLC’s Director of Engagement Diana Mitsu Klos. Please provide your contact information, including city and state, and tell us if you’re a student, educator or other interested party.

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Indiana
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

New Voices Gains Momentum

Partial List of Endorsers