What is Student Press Freedom Day?
Student Press Freedom Day is a national day of action when we celebrate the contributions of student journalists and the need to support their independence without censorship or threat to their advisers. We call attention to the arbitrary and needless censorship of student journalists, and call upon elected officials to restore and protect student press freedom.
The Student Press Law Center created Student Press Freedom Day to give student journalists a platform to advocate for press freedom in their communities. We support the advocates with our legal and policy expertise, by educating them on their rights, and through our toolkit, designed to make hosting an event as easy as possible.
SPFD 2026: Resilience in Action
As communities seek clarity and trusted information to navigate their lives, student journalism plays a critical role in uncovering the facts and holding the powerful accountable. Yet, the vital work of student journalists and the educators who support them is under serious threat.
In the face of censorship and intimidation, student journalists show what it means to be resilient. They pivot, they push forward, and they raise their voices — all so they can report the stories that matter most.
This Student Press Freedom Day, we celebrate the Resilience in Action seen in student newsrooms nationwide, and support student journalists in advocating for the protections they need to continue their critical work.
Partners
Meet the First Amendment, educational, legal and journalistic organizations who partner with SPLC bring you Student Press Freedom Day!
Talking Points
Understand more about Student Press Freedom Day and why it matters with our Talking Points.
Why should I get involved?
Student journalists practice responsible journalism and hold the powerful accountable, but in most states their right to do so is at risk. Without state-based New Voices laws that limit when school administrators can censor student journalists, administrators have used the Supreme Court’s 1988 Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier decision to censor their stories for just about any reason.
Take Action
Share your story, connect with your local New Voices chapter, write an op-ed and more.
Events
Join SPLC’s series of trainings leading up to Student Press Freedom Day or host your own!
Why February?
Each year, Student Press Freedom Day falls on the fourth day of Scholastic Journalism Week and near the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’sTinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District decision on Feb. 24, 1969. The Tinker decision was a major win for student voices and student press freedom. It’s only fitting to use this day to advocate for state New Voices laws, which prevent censorship by restoring public school media to the Tinker standard. Read more about Tinker and its legacy here.
What is New Voices?
New Voices is a student-led movement working to protect and restore press freedom for student journalists. Through enacting state laws, New Voices advocates aim to shield students from the harmful effects of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1988 Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier decision that is commonly used to censor their voices.
Student Press Freedom Day activities are an opportunity for student journalists to demonstrate why these laws are needed and to advocate for their passage.