To recognize "Sunshine Week," a national commemoration of the vital importance of transparency in government, the journalism interns at the Student Press Law Center conduct an annual "compliance audit" to test whether schools and colleges truly honor their duty to disclose public records.
News
West Georgia SGA passes bill to freeze money to student newspaper after publishing anti-Greek column
The editor-in-chief of the student newspaper and a group of students at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton are protesting a series of proposals by the Student Government Association that would cut funding for the paper.
May 2009 podcast: How to start free press legislation in your state
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University of Missouri graduate student Brian Schraum and Western Kentucky University student Josh Moore discuss starting free press legislation in their states.
Wisconsin students ask attorney general to rule on whether student governments are subject to sunshine laws
Student journalists in Wisconsin are asking the state attorney general to clarify whether university student government organizations are subject to the state's sunshine laws.
University of Texas refuses student newspaper's records request for student government e-mails
The University of Texas at Austin denied student journalists' public records requests for e-mails between student government officials, citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
JEA condemns administrative prior review of student newspapers
The continuing prevalence of administrative prior review motivated the Journalism Education Association to pass an updated statement denouncing the practice.
Stevenson High School adviser resigns position after prior review policy enforced
After articles about students' dating habits at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Ill., sparked policy changes including more oversight of the student newspaper, adviser Barbara Thill resigned her role for next school year.
N.M. governor signs bill to make government agencies recognize e-mail records requests
Government agencies in New Mexico will have to accept electronic requests for public records after the governor signed a bill April 3 inspired by a state university's rejection of an e-mail request.
Va. Commonwealth student newspaper reports 2,500 copies stolen
Campus police at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., are investigating the theft of April 2 issues of the student newspaper, which featured a controversial photo and headline on the front page.
April 2009 podcast: Plaintiff discusses stick-figure cartoon case
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Lead plaintiff Robert Ochsorn talks about his First Amendment lawsuit against his former high school that was partially decided in summary judgment last month.