 
Assembly Resolution No. 71
 
BY: M. of A. Lupardo
 
        RECOGNIZING  February  26,  2021, as Student Press
        Freedom Day
 
  WHEREAS, It is the sense  of  this  Legislative  Body  to  recognize
February 26, 2021, as Student Press Freedom Day; and
 
  WHEREAS, On February 26th, the Student Press Law Center is holding a
day of action; journalism students and advocates around the country will
be  educating  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 February 26, 2021, 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.
Recognizing February 26, 2021, as Student Press Freedom Day

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