Assembly Resolution No. 575

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

RECOGNIZING February 24, 2022, as Student Press
Freedom Day

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
February 24, 2022, as Student Press Freedom Day; and

WHEREAS, On January 13, 1988, the Supreme Court ruling in the
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier case greatly expanded the ability
of school officials to censor student work; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2018 by the Student Press Law Center to mark
the 30th anniversary of the Kuhlmeier decision, Student Press Freedom
Day is an occasion to celebrate the field of student journalism and
advocate for freedom of speech, and liberty from censorship; and

WHEREAS, Observed annually, Student Press Freedom Day is a national
day of action when student journalists in the United States raise
awareness of the challenges they face, celebrate their contributions to
their schools and communities, and take actions to protect and restore
their First Amendment freedoms; and

WHEREAS, On February 24, 2022, the Student Press Law Center is
holding a day of action known as Student Press Freedom Day; student
journalists must be empowered to tell the stories most important to
their communities, free from overt censorship; the theme for Student
Press Freedom Day 2022 is "Unmute Yourself!" a series of events,
trainings and community building opportunities designed to uplift
student journalists' voices and prepare them to fight for press freedom
journalism; and

WHEREAS, New Voices of New York, the high school student
organization in New York which advocates for student press freedoms, is
a movement to empower student journalists; and

WHEREAS, The integrity of journalism is derived from the Code of
Ethics as determined by the Society of Professional Journalists; and

WHEREAS, Journalism is a pillar of democracy and a free press is
protected by the U.S. Constitution, the responsibility and freedoms
allowed therein should apply to student journalists guided by
educational institutions as well; and

WHEREAS, Student reporters are the next generation of journalists;
it is a difficult time for journalists as media across the country has
come under attack; recognizing the importance of the profession will
support journalistic integrity and independence which is needed in a
democratic society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize February 24, 2022, as Student Press Freedom Day; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Student Press Law Center, and New Voices of New York
chapters throughout the State of New York.