Student journalists undertake responsible journalism and hold the powerful accountable. They are often the only reporters covering their campuses or even their communities, and they can provide a prospective no one else can. Yet their press freedom isn’t always guaranteed by the First Amendment.
Here are three ways you can help student journalists by supporting student press freedom:
1. Learn the status of student press freedom in your state
As a result of the Supreme Court’s 1988 decision in Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlemeier, student journalists are guaranteed fewer First Amendment rights than both professional journalists and their fellow students. In response, 17 states so far have passed “New Voices” laws counteracting the Hazelwood decision and ensuring a free student press. But that still leaves a majority of student journalists, especially at the high school level, without legal protections against censorship and other threats to student press freedom.
Coalitions of students, teachers and supporters are currently working to pass New Voices laws in other states. Learn the status of your state, and consider getting involved in the New Voices movement for student press freedom.
2. Elevate student journalists on Student Press Freedom Day
Each February, Student Press Freedom Day celebrates the important role of student journalists in their community, highlights the censorship and other challenges they face, and encourages everyone to take steps to advance student press freedom.
Join one of several Student Press Freedom Day events, share your story in an op-ed or on social media, and explore other ways you can make a difference for student journalists as part of the Day or all year long.
3. Donate to the Student Press Law Center
The Student Press Law Center is the nation’s only organization devoted exclusively to providing free legal help and information to student journalists and their advisers, and to advocating for their free press rights. For 50 years, SPLC has been where student journalists turn for help standing up to censorship, obtaining public records, reporting on their communities and advocating for their own rights. Learn more about our impact, which is supported entirely through donations.
Help us continue to stand with student journalists by making a gift today.
Subscribe to SPLC’s newsletter to keep up with the latest student press freedom news.
Have questions or want to learn more about student press freedom or SPLC? Email us at splc@splc.org.