The nation’s student journalists and their supporters join together for the ninth annual Student Press Freedom Day, a national moment to stand up for press freedom and recognize the essential role student journalists play in their communities.
This year’s Student Press Freedom Day theme, Resilience in Action, celebrates the ways that student journalists pivot, push forward and raise their voices — even as censorship, intimidation and legal threats escalate.
As communities seek clarity and trusted information, student journalism plays a critical role in shining a light on the truth and telling important stories that no one else is. Student journalists — and the advisers and educators who support them — uncover the facts and hold power to account. Student journalists show up.
Student Press Freedom Day is a call to show up. It will take all of us — students, educators, advocates and community members alike — to ensure student journalists have the protections they need to continue their critical work.
Join us on Thursday, Feb. 26, to amplify student journalism and stand up for press freedom. Check out these ideas, big and small, you can help:
The theme for Student Press Freedom Day 2026 is “Resilience in Action.”
Issues:
About the Student Press Law Center
SPLC defends and advances the First Amendment and free press rights of student journalists and their advisers. We offer a free Legal Hotline for student journalists as well as training, online resources and nonpartisan legislative advocacy to restore student press freedom.
About Student Press Freedom Day
Learn more about why we celebrate Student Press Freedom Day, and how you can get involved!
Contact SPLC’s Legal Hotline
Have you been censored? Do you have questions about media law for student journalists? Contact the Student Press Law Center’s free hotline for assistance. We answer every query.
Our Partners & Sponsors
The Student Press Law Center is proud to partner with a strong array of First Amendment, educational, legal and journalistic organizations to bring you Student Press Freedom Day! More than 30 national groups are united in support of student journalists.
