Student Press Freedom Day:
Journalism Against the Odds
Feb. 26, 2021
Dear Friend,
Student journalists have always done incredible work keeping their schools and communities informed, but the connection and clarity they provide has never been more important than in the past year. In 2020, students conducted an essential service by disseminating public health information related to COVID, informing first time voters of crucial election information, exposing racial discrimination in their communities and fighting for transparency from public officials — all while coping with the sudden shift to remote learning and the personal toll of isolation, risk of exposure to COVID, tensions around racism and more.
That’s why the theme for Student Press Freedom Day 2021 is Journalism Against the Odds — in acknowledgment of the phenomenal news coverage student journalists produced despite being faced with these incredible challenges.
All this month, our community has the chance to take part in activities supporting student press freedom. Join us as we move towards Student Press Freedom Day on Feb. 26th! Here are some ways to get involved:
Spread the word that student journalists are rock stars: Visit StudentPressFreedom.org to see our toolkit with talking points, sample social media posts, and more.
Write an op-ed in support of student press freedom and place it in your local newspaper.
Join our press briefing on Feb. 17th @ 11 a.m. ET. We’ll be releasing a new white paper regarding the censorship and intimidation student journalists faced this past year.
Share a personal video testimonial responding to this question: “How did you show up for student journalism over the past year, and what were the odds you were fighting against?”
Use the hashtag #StudentPressFreedom and we’ll amplify your videos, op-eds, and other content.
Here are some sample social posts you can use to spread the word:
In a year consumed by not only a global pandemic, but widespread racial justice protests, a major election and a rise in targeting and censorship of the press, student journalists showed up heroically. It's time we celebrate their accomplishments and recognize their challenges.
Join the movement and join us this Student Press Freedom Day as we celebrate and protect these unsung heroes!
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