Assembly Resolution No. 872

BY: M. of A. Lupardo

RECOGNIZING February 22, 2024, as Student Press
Freedom Day

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize
Thursday, February 22, 2024, as Student Press Freedom Day; and

WHEREAS, On February 22, 2024, the Student Press Law Center is
holding a day of action known as Student Press Freedom Day, 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 Student Press Law Center established Student Press
Freedom Day in 2018 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Hazelwood School
District v. Kuhlmeier Supreme Court case; this case greatly expanded the
ability of school officials to censor student work; and

WHEREAS, Student Press Freedom Day responds to this case by
celebrating the field of student journalism, promoting freedom of
speech, and advocating for liberty from censorship; 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; and

WHEREAS, Journalists and media across the country, which are needed
in a democratic society, have come under attack; and

WHEREAS, New Voices of New York, the high school student
organization in New York which advocates for student press freedoms,
promotes the passage of the Student Journalist Free Speech Act; 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;
recognizing the importance of the profession will support journalistic
integrity and independence for journalists of the future; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize February 22, 2024, 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.