Get Involved
Read the Legislation
Understand the principles at the heart of our movement and read the bill’s language as it takes shape in Lansing. Learn More
Use Your Voice
Join the cause! We can’t make this happen without you, and the first step is encouraging your legislators to support our efforts. Learn More
Know the Supporters
Learn what the experts in student media and student expression have to say about our New Voices campaign and the importance of protecting student speech. Learn More
Support New Voices
We promote policies that protect student journalists' ability to safely gather information and share ideas. Our immediate goal is to pass the Michigan Student Free Press and Civics Readiness Act - a bill that would protect student speech and student media in our high schools, colleges and universities. Censorship and prior restraint can be difficult to recognize, often originating as the whims of those in authority positions, but it can be so damaging to the education of future communicators. This effort is coordinated by the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association and the Student Press Law Center.
What the Experts Are Saying
Latest news
Arizona becomes latest state to pass legislation protecting student journalists
Senate Bill 1384 sailed through the Arizona Senate on a unanimous vote on May 9, bringing New Voices legislation to the governor’s desk in the Grand Canyon State. The bill’s sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Yee, R-Phoenix, advocated for similar legislation when she was a high school journalist.
Sen. Rick Jones honored for his support of student journalists
The Michigan Interscholastic Press Association has honored Sen. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge, as the recipient of its 2017 John V. Field Award for his support of student speech rights.
With protection of Kansas law, student journalists catch problems in candidate’s resume missed by adults
Student journalists at The Booster Redux at Pittsburg High School in Kansas have garnered national attention for their work uncovering inconsistencies in the credentials of the candidate selected to be their new principal. That work made headlines nationwide and earned them an invitation by The Huffington Post to attend the White House correspondents’ dinner. It also resulted in Read more about With protection of Kansas law, student journalists catch problems in candidate’s resume missed by adults[…]
State representative introduces legislation to protect student press rights
State Rep. Darrin Camilleri, D-Brownstown Township, April 27 introduced legislation to protect the rights of student journalists in public schools and universities. House Bill 4551, the Student Free Press Act, was referred to the Committee on Education Reform.
Association of newsroom editors calls on states to enact laws protecting student journalism
The American Society of News Editors has unanimously adopted a resolution that welcomes new state laws in Illinois, Maryland and North Dakota protecting the ability of college and high-school journalists to write about issues of public concern, and calls on all other states to follow their lead.
Illinois governor signs New Voices law
An Illinois bill protecting student journalists’ rights was signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner on July 29. The state had existing protections for college journalists, but the bill adds similar protections for students in public high schools.
ND Superintendent: “What was feared by the initial opposition, hasn’t resulted”
North Dakota’s top school superintendent encouraged lawmakers across the country to follow her state’s lead in passing New Voices legislation. In an interview with Megan McNeill of the Mystician at Bismarck State College interviewed, North Dakota Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler said the legislation helps ensure students learn professional journalism standards. She said the state hasn’t seen any Read more about ND Superintendent: “What was feared by the initial opposition, hasn’t resulted”[…]
Maryland New Voices press freedom bill signed into law
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed into law April 26 a bill designed to protect the free-speech rights of high school and college journalists.
Jane Briggs-Bunting: Bill protecting student journalists would stop censorship
Too often we take for granted the important work happening every day in high school journalism classrooms ― where the next generation of civic, business and media leaders are developing their voices ― to bring attention to the need for public access and transparent government. Michigan legislators have an important opportunity to encourage the new voices of tomorrow.
MIPA director talks to Stateside about Michigan’s New Voices bill
Michigan Interscholastic Press Association Director Jeremy Steele talks Michigan Radio’s Stateside about the Student Free Press and Civics Readiness Act.