First Amendment Rights of Student Journalists Should be Protected

Jan 31, 2020 by AFP

Legislature misses opportunity to allow student journalists to exercise their press freedom rights

LINCOLN, NE – Americans for Prosperity-Nebraska (AFP-NE) today expressed disappointment that the legislature did not advance LB 206 after debate, a bill that would extend First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of the press to student journalists and their media advisors.

Americans for Prosperity-Nebraska State Director Jessica Shelburn issued the following statement:

“First Amendment rights apply to every American, including student journalists working to understand and exercise their press freedom rights. Budding journalists shouldn’t be taught they have to keep their heads down, factoring potential administrative censorship into whether or not they’re going to pursue a story. But this happens.

“Unfortunately, senators failed to take this opportunity toward ensuring student journalists know seeking out the truth and critical voices is the cornerstone of our Democracy. We urge senators to protect the First Amendment rights of Nebraskan students and pass this bill when it comes back to the floor.”

Background:

AFP-NE sent out a key vote aler t to senators urging them to support LB 206.