A coalition of national student media advisory organizations has issued a rare alert to student journalists, revising long-standing guidance on journalistic practices in light of what it calls an “unprecedented” threat to the free exercise of student speech on campuses across the United States.
The alert recommends that student media organizations “revisit their policies on takedown requests and anonymous sources, particularly for those whose immigration status may make them targets for their lawful speech.” It also advises being transparent with sources and audiences about anonymous bylines and sourcing, and educating staff on these issues. The group of signatories — comprising the Associated Collegiate Press, Journalism Education Association, College Media Association, National Scholastic Press Association, Quill & Scroll, and the Student Press Law Center — acknowledged that the advice represents a departure from traditional journalistic norms.
“Many of our organizations have existed for a century or more, and we have never before issued this type of alert. We do not do so lightly now,” the coalition said in its alert, which was issued on April 4.
Read more at https://niemanreports.org/student-journalists-press-freedom-splc/