Student Press Law Center, Inc.
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Student Press Law Center has helped and educated our newsroom during the busiest, most contentious and legally tricky period of our sixty- year history as a campus newspaper . We are grateful for all the time they have given to us and we are strengthened as student journalists knowing that we are supported by a group of professionals who believe wholeheartedly in protecting the freedom of the press. SPLC provides an invaluable service to student newspaper.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Recently,SPLC helped us by reviewing documents and considering our options when faced with a groundless lawsuit threat over an editorial. The lawsuit threatened the campus paper and the journalist. The lawyer issuing the threat was hired by the campus' student government (using student fees) who the newspaper and the journalist had covered in depth. We needed the SPLC's advice and we are grateful for all the support they provided.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I have never had reason to want the SPLC to change!
The Student Press Law Center empowers young people, giving them the tools and confidence to participate in our great democracy. As a high school newspaper adviser, I encourage my students to use this wonderful resource whenever they have questions about their rights. The law center's website is a treasure. If we're faced with a legal question, we can find the answer at splc.org. We can also find hundreds of professionally written stories posted on the site that describe important court decisions. My students can find their own challenges in these court cases. It's an amazing learning experience as they read what their fellow high school journalists face at school and in the courts.
My students can also meet the staff of the SPLC, since the organization provides speakers at all major gatherings of high school journalists. We attend the Columbia University conference each year, where several sessions are offered by the SPLC. We count them among our most important stops at the conference.
The SPLC truly is a great nonprofit. My students have become responsible citizens, unafraid to speak their minds because they know their rights, thanks to the Student Press Law Center.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
in my classroom and at our student newspaper. We know our rights and responsibilities as student journalists.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would expand all aspects of the operation, guaranteeing that all students, not just journalism students, know and use the resources of SPLC. Our democracy would be stronger for it.
Student Press Law Center has been faithful to its mission for decades. I met SPLC founder Mark Goodman in the early 90s when he made presentations to the DC Board of Education. I've since become the leader of an independent, teen-produced newspaper that closely follows issues of censorship. SPLC is an outstanding resource for our reporters.
SPLC has built a solid funding base, undergone a leadership transition and made strides to use contemporary technology. Failing to meet any one of these challenges can undo a nonprofit organization. SPLC has met them and thrives today.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
One of our photographers was attacked by security while covering the Bush Inauguration. SPLC advised him. SPLC is always willing to explain various administrative and legal rulings made around the nation to our reporters.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Give its office a home in D.C. so it would never need to expend resources on rent.
The Student Press Law Center is the best nonprofit in America. Here's why:
*This organization offers free assistance to student media outlets in the United States.
*In this way, they help teenagers and young adults understand and exercise their First Amendment rights.
*These teenagers and adults then understand that a.) their rights will be protected, b.) they are held to a high level of accountability and c.) they can openly and actively participate in the world around them by exercising these rights.
*These teenagers and adults tend to be more educated (whether that's prior to or because of scholastic journalism, it matters not) and more likely to be America's next decision- and difference-makers.
*They enter the decision- and difference-making world having already actively exercised - responsibly - their First Amendment rights, which encouraged critical thinking, accountability, research skills, collaboration and all those great things that make a kick-@$$, RESPONSIBLE citizen that can contribute massive awesomeness to society - whether they become airline pilots, teachers, doctors, cowboys, etc.
So, what begins as the advocacy of the SPLC, down the road, creates stronger and more responsible citizens of America.
End cliches now.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My students taking it upon themselves to responsibly and respectfully fight censorship. And Adam Goldstein is an amazing resource; when my students have a possible censorship issue, they simply say, "Call Adam."
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Expand it. Possibly make state or regional offices.
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