Take Action for Student Press Freedom
Are you interested in restoring and protecting the freedom of the student press? Regardless of where you live or what laws your state has passed, there is plenty that you can do to ensure that student journalists in your state can tell the stories that matter to them without fear of censorship or reprisal.
Find your state in this guide to identify specific actions that you can take to protect your rights and the rights of students and advisers in your state.
Apply for a grant
Hosting your own event for Student Press Freedom Day? We can help you cover the cost. The Student Press Law Center has established grants of up to $300 to help you hold public events or campaigns on or around Student Press Freedom Day. Grants are limited and not guaranteed upon application. Learn more and apply:
Enter the photo contest
Leading up to Student Press Freedom Day we’re looking for the best photography and visual storytelling from student journalists that shows student journalists in action.
The contest is open for photo essays or individual photos and there is a $100 cash prize for each category.
Tell us your story
Have you ever been censored or experienced self-censorship? Tell us about your experiences.
Draft an op-ed for your daily newspaper
We need your help reaching communities around the country with op-eds about the importance of protecting student press freedom. Watch the recording of our “Op-Ed Crash Course” to learn from veteran CNN & New York Times Journalist Steven A. Holmes about how to craft and place your op-ed.
Post on social media
Spread the word about Student Press Freedom Day on your personal and official publication accounts. Get creative: go live on Instagram answering questions about your coverage, post a “story time” TikTok about your experience being censored, write a Twitter thread about how your coverage led to direct change at your school. Make sure to use #StudentPressFreedom in all your posts! And, check out our toolkit for images and suggested posts:
Get involved in New Voices
Does your state have a law protecting student press freedom? Learn more and get involved here:
Subscribe to the newsletter
Subscribe to SPLC’s weekly newsletter and never miss a Student Press Freedom Day update! You’ll learn about upcoming events, hear from student chairs and get inspiration for your Student Press Freedom Day Plans
