NY Students Announce Support for Student Journalist Free Speech Act

 

The Student Assembly of the State University of New York and the University Student Senate of the City University of New York- which together represent over 1.3 Million New York Students- are announcing joint support for Bill A-9801/ S-7721 (Lupardo/O'Mara)- the Student Journalist Free Speech Act.

This legislation- if enacted- would offer greater protections for student publications at all New York public educational institutions. While school administrations would maintain the ability to intervene in the cases of grievance abuses, this bill would protect the right of students to write about, and offer opinions on, controversial issues. 

“Student reporters are the next generation of journalists,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Assembly sponsor of the Student Journalism Free Speech Act. “Having more control over what they publish will support the integrity and independence expected of professional journalists. Freedom of the press is central to our democracy; it’s important that we give students that opportunity.”

"The role and the responsibility of a free press in American democracy is one of the most timely and serious examinations taking place in our society today,” said Senator Tom O’Mara, Senate sponsor of the bill. “I'm hopeful that the introduction of this legislation will help constructively and instructively contribute to the discussion and, especially for aspiring journalists and their instructors and mentors, help heighten their appreciation and understanding of the First Amendment, the working press, and the protection and preservation of this ideal moving forward into the 21st century."

"Student publications should be free from undue censorship and interference from school administrations- and students should be allowed to honestly critique school policy when necessary," said Michael Braun, President-Elect of the SUNY Student Assembly. "New York's educational institutions should model the first amendment values we teach our students are so essential to the exercise of our democracy."

"At a time when thinly veiled attacks on student voices are often coupled with claims of support for freedom of expression, it is important we lend support to initiatives that amplify student voices. Today, we can start right here, by supporting this bill to protect the rights of student journalists," said John Aderounmu, Chairperson of the CUNY University Student Senate.

The SUNY Student Assembly and CUNY University Student Senate urge the state legislature to pass the Student Journalist Free Speech Act before this session adjourns in June. 

Source: SUNY SA