The Student Press Law Center is deeply concerned and disappointed by the Virginia House of Delegates’ elimination of essential protections for high school journalists in HB 36. Two weeks ago, on Student Press Freedom Day, student journalists from across Virginia gathered before a House of Delegates subcommittee in support of New Voices legislation (HB 36).… Continue reading SPLC Statement: Virginia HB 36 As Amended Does Not Meaningfully Advance Protections for Student Journalists
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What is libel?
Every week, Student Press Law Center attorneys answer a frequently asked question about student media law in “Ask SPLC.” Q: What is libel? A: Libel is the publication of false statements of fact that seriously harm a person’s reputation. If a statement is true, it cannot be libelous, no matter how harmful it may be to the person’s… Continue reading What is libel?
How to use the Clery Act to cover campus crime
The Clery Act is a college journalist’s holy grail to reporting on campus crime. The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, or the Clery Act for short, requires that schools participating in federal student aid funding notify the campus when a crime has been reported. Virtually every college and university… Continue reading How to use the Clery Act to cover campus crime
Op-eds, panels, newsroom open houses, TikToks: How student journalists celebrated Student Press Freedom Day 2020
Student journalists around the country engaged with readers, called for grassroots movements to ensure their First Amendment rights, and took a stand against censorship for Student Press Freedom Day on Jan. 29. Student Press Freedom Day was launched by the Student Press Law Center in 2018 to mark the 30th anniversary of the landmark 1988… Continue reading Op-eds, panels, newsroom open houses, TikToks: How student journalists celebrated Student Press Freedom Day 2020
How to report on school employee contracts and salaries
Do you know how much top administrators at your school make? Employee contracts can provide reporters with newsworthy information about how a public school is utilizing taxpayer money for employee salaries and other benefits. Every record created by a public agency or government body, including public schools, is presumed to be open unless a law… Continue reading How to report on school employee contracts and salaries
Virginia Education Committee guts New Voices legislation with a major amendment, leaving high school journalists unprotected
UPDATE: The Virginia House Education Committee passed an amended version of HB 36 that did not include free speech protections for middle and high school journalists on Monday, Feb. 3. Hillary Davis, Student Press Law Center's New Voices advocacy and campaign organizer, said the Virginia New Voices coalition hopes the legislature will decide to hold… Continue reading Virginia Education Committee guts New Voices legislation with a major amendment, leaving high school journalists unprotected
College paper goes viral after unpublishing then republishing coach’s quote complimenting Hitler
MICHIGAN — Grand Valley Lanthorn Sports Editor Kellen Voss conducted what started out as a fairly routine interview with newly-hired Grand Valley State University football offensive coordinator, Morris Berger. Things took a turn when Voss asked Berger for three historical (non-football) figures he’d like to have dinner with, and Berger said Adolf Hitler. KV: "So… Continue reading College paper goes viral after unpublishing then republishing coach’s quote complimenting Hitler
Student journalists talk about their role in the community, censorship, backlash and press freedom
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Four notable student journalists discussed the future of press freedom and challenges like censorship and backlash from peers on a panel at the National Archives on Jan. 29. The event was part of Student Press Freedom Day, which launched in 2018 to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1988 Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier… Continue reading Student journalists talk about their role in the community, censorship, backlash and press freedom
Student and professional journalists write op-eds for Student Press Freedom Day
In 2019, nearly 70 student newsrooms wrote editorials as part of the Year of the Student Journalist. For Student Press Freedom Day, we've relaunched the op-ed campaign for pieces on the importance of student press freedom. High school, college and professional journalists are answering the call. Don't see your name on the list below? Email Danielle Dieterich… Continue reading Student and professional journalists write op-eds for Student Press Freedom Day
Naming names: Identifying minors
A discussion of the legal and ethical issues concerning publishing minor names and photos in student media.