Bill Text: NY J02689 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Recognizing January 29, 2020, as Student Press Freedom Day
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 40-22)
Status: (Passed) 2020-01-28 - ADOPTED [J02689 Detail]
Download: New_York-2019-J02689-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 2689 BY: Senator KAVANAGH RECOGNIZING January 29, 2020, as Student Press Freedom Day WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize January 29, 2020, as Student Press Freedom Day; and WHEREAS, On January 29th, the Student Press Law Center is holding a national holiday; journalism students and advocates around the country will be working on a variety of projects, teach-ins, guest lecturers, and other activities to educate the communities on the First Amendment and student press freedoms; and WHEREAS, New Voices of New York, the high school student organization in New York which advocates for student press freedoms, is a movement to guarantee student journalists in the state the freedom to report without fear of consequence; and WHEREAS, Proclaimed in 1993 by the United Nations General Assembly, World Press Freedom Day celebrates the field of journalism, freedom of speech, and newsrooms the world over; observed annually, this day recognizes the work of journalists, editors, and publishers who sometimes risk their own lives to ensure accurate coverage of news and events; and WHEREAS, The integrity of journalism is tied to the independence journalists have to dedicate themselves and their work to the Code of Ethics as determined by the Society of Professional Journalists; and WHEREAS, Journalism is a pillar of democracy and a free press is protected by the U.S. Constitution, the responsibility and freedoms allowed therein should apply to student journalists guided by educational institutions as well; and WHEREAS, Student reporters are the next generation of journalists; it is a difficult time for journalists as media across the country has come under attack; having more control over what they publish will support journalistic integrity and independence which is needed in a democratic society; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to recognize January 29, 2020, as Student Press Freedom Day; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the Student Press Law Center, and New Voices of New York chapters throughout the State of New York.