Currently, Pennsylvania’s education regulations ensure students the right to express themselves through publications and other communication channels, but still allow principals and school administrators to silence student voices through prior review and restraint. Defending the free press and free speech rights of students fulfills our duty to protect their constitutional rights and lets them know that we care about their voices.
 
That is why I am introducing a bill that seeks to allow school districts to implement policies to place administrative review in the hands of student editors to help ensure journalistic integrity. In addition to protecting students, my legislation would also provide protections for journalism teachers and advisors.
 
By the end of 2024, our country lost one-third of the newspapers that it had in 2005. It’s estimated that an average of two newspapers per week shut down in the US. Due to the void of local news, student journalists may be the sole source of news for many communities. This is why we need to help them without restraint from school administrators.
 
Freedom of the press is essential to maintaining and protecting student journalistic integrity, but the media outlet decline silences their voices. I am an advocate for government transparency, and that starts with our students. Please join me in co-sponsoring legislation that will help to foster the same culture of transparency in our schools, and support student journalists who provide an essential service to their schools and communities.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0834: P.L.30, No.14