OREGON — Before going out to cover the Portland protests against police brutality and systemic racism, Eddy Binford-Ross puts on swim goggles, a pink helmet with “press” written on all four sides, a bulletproof vest, and reflective tape spelling out “press” going down her leg. The 17-year-old wears this to show law enforcement officers she… Continue reading Law enforcement tear gasses, throws flash-bangs at high school journalist covering Portland BLM protests
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Can my school punish me for what I post on social media?
Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: What authority do public school officials have to punish me for my off-campus use of Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and other private social media platforms? A: That’s a much-debated — and still open — question that depends on… Continue reading Can my school punish me for what I post on social media?
A high school newspaper was cut during the pandemic. Is it a sign of things to come?
CALIFORNIA — Cassandra Garcia, a rising senior at Rialto High School in Southern California is fighting to bring back a journalism course at her high school after her principal removed the class from the fall schedule without informing students or the adviser. Garcia is a reporter for the Medieval Times, Rialto's student newspaper. The school’s… Continue reading A high school newspaper was cut during the pandemic. Is it a sign of things to come?
SPLC’s 2020 Summer Media Law and Policy Institute — the inaugural year
In 2020, SPLC launched the Summer Media Law & Policy Institute, a three-week online training institute which explores the legal framework and emerging issues of law, ethics and policy surrounding media law and press freedom. The Institute ran online from June 22 - July 10, 2020. More about the Institute Moot court competition The SPLC… Continue reading SPLC’s 2020 Summer Media Law and Policy Institute — the inaugural year
Student journalists covering protests face unprecedented violence from police
Student journalists covering nationwide demonstrations against police brutality and systemic racism are being met with unprecedented pushback from law enforcement. According to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, there have been more than 440 reported aggressions against the press — including high school and college journalists — covering public protests in at least 140 cities across… Continue reading Student journalists covering protests face unprecedented violence from police
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Can we publish photos showing protesters’ faces?
Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: Our publication has posted online photos of police brutality protests in our city, and we are receiving requests from politically active students to blur the faces of protesters who can be identified in the photos. Are… Continue reading Can we publish photos showing protesters’ faces?
SPLC on supporting Black journalists and dismantling systemic racism
SPLC statement on supporting Black journalists and dismantling systemic racism
"The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.”– Ida B. Wells, The Light of Truth: Writings of an Anti-Lynching Crusader Black Lives Matter. The stories of Black lives matter. The telling of those stories and objective reporting of those truths matter. The Student Press Law Center stands by the efforts of Black… Continue reading SPLC statement on supporting Black journalists and dismantling systemic racism
How to communicate to police that you’re a journalist while covering a protest
Law enforcement may not be familiar with the student press. They may see you only as students, and not know or understand the essential role of student journalists in covering public events such as protests. This letter may be helpful in providing law enforcement with evidence of your claims. Carry a physical copy (do not… Continue reading How to communicate to police that you’re a journalist while covering a protest