Senate Resolution No. 447

BY: Senator KAVANAGH

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
February 23, 2023, as Student Press Freedom Day in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official days that are set aside to increase awareness of the safety and
protection of our journalists; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim Thursday, February 23,
2023, as Student Press Freedom Day in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Student Press Freedom Day;
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 Thursday, February 23, 2023, the Student Press Law
Center is holding a day of action, with this year's theme being, "Bold
Journalism & Brave Advocacy"; and

WHEREAS, The Student Press Law Center will host and promote
trainings and community building opportunities that are designed to
uplift student journalists' voices and prepare them to advocate for
press freedom; and

WHEREAS, The integrity of journalism is derived from the Code of
Ethics as determined by the Society of Professional Journalists; 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
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim February 23, 2023, as
Student Press Freedom Day in the State of New York; and be it further

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