World Press Freedom Institute
On April 5, the Student Press Law Center, in conjunction with PEN America, will launch the first-ever World Press Freedom Institute for student journalists. Open to high school and college journalists, the Institute is the first of its kind and will explore different dimensions of press freedom in the United States and abroad.
“The United States’ approach to the First Amendment and freedom of the press is unique in many ways. In some aspects of press freedom, we are ahead of other countries. In other respects, the United States is far behind. The opportunity to allow student journalists to compare and contrast various aspects of press freedom around the world and to delve into the tensions that spark controversy in the profession is a unique and very exciting opportunity. We are proud to partner with PEN America to bring this institute to life,” said Hadar Harris, executive director of the Student Press Law Center.
The Institute will meet on Zoom, once a week for six weeks, starting Tuesday, April 5, 2022 and culminating in an event to celebrate World Press Freedom Day, May 10, 2022. Among the topics that the Institute will cover include:
- Key features of press freedom in 2022 and what it means for student journalists
- Access to information – here, there and everywhere
- The three Is of press freedom: independence, impartiality and integrity
- Cultural and generational perspectives on journalistic ethics
- Digital safety and online harassment
The program will include interactive elements and participants will be joined by expert guest speakers from around the world.
As PEN America’s Niko Perez (co-director of the Institute) said, “PEN America is thrilled to embark on this groundbreaking institute with the Student Press Law Center! This first-ever program of its kind brings together two powerful advocacy organizations to equip the next generation of journalists and activists with new cross-cultural and cross-generational perspectives on journalistic principles, while exploring freedom of expression and access to information as essential international human rights. .”
Apply now! Generous financial aid is available and tuition should not be a barrier to attendance.
Student Press Law Center: Since 1974, the Student Press Law Center has worked to support, promote, and defend the First Amendment and the free speech rights of high school and college student journalists, and the counselors who support them. Working at the intersection of law, journalism, and education, the SPLC operates the nation’s only toll-free hotline for student journalists. We also provide training, educational resources, and support the grassroots, nonpartisan New Voices movement, seeking state-based legislative support for student press freedom. The SPLC is an independent 501c(3) non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C.
