K 116: Recognizing February 27, 2025, as Student Press Freedom Day

 Assembly Resolution No. 116 BY: M. of A. Lupardo RECOGNIZING February 27, 2025, as Student Press Freedom Day WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize Thursday, February 27, 2025, as Student Press Freedom Day; and WHEREAS, On February 27, 2025, the Student Press Law Center is holding a day of action known as Student Press Freedom Day; 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 27, 2025, 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.