Today is Student Press Freedom Day, a national day of action when the New England First Amendment Coalition and advocates around the country celebrate the contributions of student journalists. Please join us in promoting the need to support their independence without censorship or threat to their advisers.
The Student Press Law Center created Student Press Freedom Day to give student journalists a platform to advocate for press freedom in their communities. NEFAC is a proud partner of the SPLC and provides the following free resources to student journalists throughout New England and beyond.
- Student Public Records Contest | NEFAC recently teamed up with MuckRock and the Society of Professional Journalists New England Chapter to launch an ongoing public records contest for student journalists. Hone your transparency skills and take your shot at a monthly prize package.
- 30 Minute Skills | These short, quick-hit video lessons provide students knowledge they can use immediately in newsgathering, data collection, storytelling and other areas of journalism and First Amendment law.
- First Amendment and the Free Press | NEFAC regularly visits campus newsrooms and classrooms to discuss challenges facing student journalists — and how they can be overcome. Learn how you can schedule a visit from a veteran investigative journalist or experienced media law attorney.
- Gloria L. Negri First Amendment Institute | Each year, NEFAC invites a select group of student journalists to attend its exclusive investigative journalism institute. Take a look at those students who have attended and learn more about the program.
- NEFAC Legal Fund | In addition to education and advocacy, our coalition also supports litigation that benefits student journalists. Need legal support for a free press or open government case? Learn how our legal fund may provide that assistance.
- Expert Commentary | NEFAC is the region’s leading voice on First Amendment and open government concerns. Need a source for your story or someone to help untangle complicated legal issues? We can help.
In addition to these resources and programs, we will be hosting NEFAC board member and Boston Globe journalist Emily Sweeney at 2 p.m. on March 16 to discuss how students can begin requesting public records. Sweeney will share her experience writing the Globe’s Blotter Tales and provide guidance to students looking to find their own tales to tell. Register now to join us.
NEFAC is the region’s leading defender of the First Amendment and open government. The coalition began in 2006 to advance and protect the five freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society.
Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.
NEFAC appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the following Leadership Circle donors: Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Boston University, the Academy of New England Journalists, and Truro News.