By Nicole Acevedo, Assistant Editor
When we think of journalists, we imagine the big-time reporters standing outside of major government buildings, taking on stories that change the world. But what about the ones a little closer to home?
Student journalists faced what may have been the most difficult year for media with grit, poise, and precision. Journalism in 2020 was put to the test, and student reporters took it upon themselves to cut out the white noise and set records straight. In a year riddled with racial injustice and tragedy, a rapidly worsening pandemic, and a divisive presidential election, we fought to bring honest, truthful information to the forefront of the media with unparalleled transparency. We did this all while learning to cope with the sudden isolation and unpredictability the world fell into.
The Student Press Law Center first launched the initiative of Student Press Freedom Day back in 2019 with three goals in mind:
1. Raise awareness of the vital work and impact of student journalists as they report on their schools and communities (including the important role they play filling gaps in the news deserts.)
2. Highlight the challenges student journalists face as they are confronted with censorship and prior review policies.
3. Showcase the contribution of journalism education to engaged civic life.
These three goals have remained the foundation of the initiative; however, as the years go on, new voices add to its momentum. This year, the theme for Student Press Freedom Day is “Journalism Against the Odds.” The organization’s website states that the theme is in honor of “the phenomenal news coverage student journalists produced despite being faced with incredible challenges of a year consumed by not only a global pandemic, but widespread racial justice protests, a major election, and a rise in targeting censorship of journalists.”
If you want to join the movement in protecting student journalism or read more about how students have stepped up to the plate, check out studentpressfreedom.org for more information.
