Think Local. Learn about the State of Student Press Freedom Where You Live, and what student journalism looks like in your community.
Get Involved with New Voices. Join the student-powered nonpartisan grassroots movement to protect student press freedom with state laws.
Talk with your school. Whether your state has a New Voices law or not, your district policies can help protect you. Learn more about district policies and reach out to your administrators and school board to talk about updating your district policy. We made it easy with this toolkit.
Craft an Opinion Piece. Op-eds have the power to change hearts and minds, so why not draft one? Tell your community why student press freedom matters to you, and why it should matter to them too. Check out these talking points to spur your creative juices. You can even watch the Op-Ed Boot Camp webinar. Then, reach out to local, regional or even national outlets and pitch your op-ed.
Share Your Censorship Story. Have you had your work as a student journalist censored? Share your testimonial on social media, write a story or post a video. Talk about what happened and advocate for a change to prevent censorship in the future — whether that’s through a New Voices bill, changing your school policy or something else.
Recruit the Professionals. Professional journalists understand what’s at stake when it comes to press freedom, but they may not be aware of the challenges you and other student journalists face in telling your stories. Reach out to some local journalists you admire and let them know their voices are needed for #studentpressfreedom. Be specific: do you want them to signal boost your event, show support for a New Voices bill, cover a local censorship incident? Make sure you include a direct call to action.
Spread the Word. Student journalism doesn’t get the love it deserves. Make a short video clip and share it on social media, letting friends know why student journalists are so important in your community, why #studentpressfreedom matters, and how they can help. Don’t forget to tag the Student Press Law Center in your posts (@SPLC on X/Twitter | @StudentPressLawCenter on Instagram and Threads)!
Remember, SPLC is here to help you! If you’re being censored right now, contact our free legal hotline for assistance.
Train to be a Passionate, Persuasive Advocate! The New Voices Summer Institute is a free, four-day program for high school students to develop their leadership and organizing skills, expand their role as leaders within the New Voices movement, and identify a strategy that could be instrumental in your state’s New Voices efforts. Sign up for SPLC’s weekly newsletter to get notified when this summer’s dates are finalized and the application is available.
Take the Quiz. Do you know when you are engaging in self-censorship? Are you sure? Test your knowledge with our quiz, share with your newsroom, and learn how to better identify and resist self-censorship.
Stay Informed. SPLC’s newsletter will keep you connected to the latest events and opportunities, and to student journalists across the country who share your values. Sign up today.
Want some more inspiration? Check out our 50 Ways to Celebrate Student Press Freedom Day, inspired by how people have participated in the past.
NSNC is proud to partner with Student Press Law Center. Student Press Freedom Day “At The Forefront” is February 27, 2025. For a complete list of events, go to https://studentpressfreedom.org/events/.
