We extended our submission deadline for both awards to Sept. 6, 2022.
There's still time to apply!
Each year, SPLC recognizes one high school and one college student journalism program for their courageous work and efforts in fighting for student press freedom. We extended our submission deadline for both awards (covering stories published during the 2021-22 academic year) to Sept. 6, 2022. Both awards come with cash prizes!
Censorship isn't always cut and dry. Over the next few weeks, we're highlighting some common red flags, so you can keep an eye out for censorship.
“My school made a big cut to the student media budget after administrators voiced strong criticism about a story we ran.”
 Budget changes, restrictions or cuts come in many forms, including cuts to the overall student media budget, limiting orders for newsroom equipment, canceling a planned trip to a journalism convention or changing how student media student media outlets collect or allocate funds. These actions may, or may not, be considered censorship. The key question is what motivated the cuts.
Courts have made clear for decades that public school officials cannot use their “power of the purse” as an indirect censorship weapon. If the changes were part of an across-the-board budget cut to all student groups, for example, you probably won't be able to prove censorship.Â
However, if a school official cuts your budget because they didn’t like the content you produced, that is censorship. So, if you attend a public school and you can prove such motivations, the budget cuts may very well violate the First Amendment and be illegal.Â
Remember, if you ever need help standing up to censorship, contact SPLC's legal hotline.
Calling all student journalists and advisers heading back to school
As you begin the Fall semester, we’re here to help support your bold journalism and brave advocacy. Check out our Back to School resource guides tailored for both student journalists and advisers to help you start off the year on the right note. Don’t forget: SPLC has got your back.Â
Your donation helps us defend the rights of student journalists and their advisers across the country. High school and college news organizations can show their support for SPLC's legal hotline and other core services by becoming a member.
