The New England First Amendment Coalition is joining a national call to end recent restrictions on journalists entering the Pentagon.
“The freedom to ask questions of public officials is fundamental to the work of journalism,” NEFAC and 35 press advocates wrote in a Sept. 11 amicus brief. “Indeed, important stories, and often relationships of trust and respect, emerge from the Pentagon’s corridors.”
The brief — drafted by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press — explained why the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia should strike down a new policy that would require journalists be escorted by government officials. The policy will make reporting more difficult and inhibit the jobs of Pentagon officials, amici wrote.
“The loss of news gathered by long-standing members of the press corps from within the hallways in Arlington benefits no one — including the Pentagon itself, a cabinet department managing three million employees, the legitimacy and effectiveness of which depends on an informed public and an accountable bureaucracy,” according to the brief.
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, The Harbus Foundation, Boston University, the Champa Charitable Foundation and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Gravel & Shea PC, the Academy of New England Journalists, Truro News and Patrisha McLean.