Who We Are Find more about us

The Student Press Law Center is an advocate for student First Amendment rights, for freedom of online speech, and for open government on campus. The SPLC provides information, training and legal assistance at no charge to student journalists and the educators who work with them.

Press Freedom & Censorship

Americans have never been more reliant on students to bring them the day's news. We make sure students can fearlessly share ideas and information free from retaliation.

School Transparency

We're shining a spotlight in the dark crevices of campuses where financial mismanagement and safety hazards hide. Citizen engagement starts with open, accountable government.

Civic Participation

Students want a say in education policy, and policymakers need to hear their unique perspective. We help young people use their voices to advocate for social change.

Online Citizenship

The SPLC advocates for sensible, non-punitive responses to online incivility, with curriculum based on the skills, ethics and values of journalism instead of expulsions and arrests.

Ask for Legal Help

Complete this online form to submit a media law question or report censorship to the SPLC.

Open Record Letter Generator

Submitting an open records request is easy with our fully automated, fill-in-the-blanks state open records law letter generator.

Recent News Read our most recent news and blog posts

New York Senate passes bill to restrict ‘hate speech’ at universities

The New York Senate passed a bill last month that would ban funding for student groups which encourage hate speech.

A partly cloudy forecast for the First Amendment: Newseum study finds mixed level of public knowledge and support for free-speech principles

One-quarter of Americans strongly believe that "offensive" speech should be unprotected on college campuses, and the percent is even higher for speech in high schools, says a newly released survey by the Newseum Institute, which also finds diminishing awareness of First Amendment rights generally.

Alabama Supreme Court rules ASU documents protected under FERPA

The Alabama Supreme Court on Friday ruled against a newspaper seeking names of students who lost their football scholarships at Alabama State University.

Colorado school board members cleared of accusations they bullied student

Two Colorado school board members have been cleared of wrongdoing after being accused of bullying a student.

UPDATE: Florida court denies rehearing in open records lawsuit against UCF

A Florida District Court of Appeals on Monday denied a motion for rehearing submitted by the University of Central Florida in an open records case filed against the university.

UPDATE: CUNY tables controversial proposal on freedom of expression policy

The City University of New York’s proposed freedom of expression policy has been stalled by the Board of Trustees after members of the community, professors and students raised censorship concerns.

Know Your RightsFind answers to all your legal questions

Taking photos and shooting video at protests, demonstrations and crime scenes

College campuses and their surrounding neighborhoods regularly are the scene of mass public gatherings, some celebratory and some enraged, some planned and some spontaneous.

First Amendment and Censorship FAQs

The Student Press Law Center answers your most frequently asked questions about a student’s right to a free press.

Freedom of Information FAQs

The Student Press Law Center answers your most frequently asked questions about open records and open meetings.

Get InvolvedMake the world a better place for student journalists

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Become a Member

We need everyone's support to keep the SPLC's services free and readily available, and the backbone of support comes from contributing SPLC members.

become an attorney volunteer

Become an Attorney Volunteer

Become a member of the ARN and provide legal representation to student journalists in need.

share your story

Share your story

Have you experienced censorship as a student or educator? Share your story and how it’s affected you.

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Spread the Word

Become an SPLC Surrogate Speaker. Use this packet to share the history and mission of the Student Press Law Center with new audiences.