Protecting student journalists isn’t only about freedom of speech. It’s about informing the public while preserving democratic norms.

Student journalists not only help keep local communities up-to-date, but we also exemplify the importance of the First Amendment rights. 

Universities all over the country have been punishing students for writing news, especially for discussing adverse politics and protesting.

At Columbia University and Barnard College, four student journalists were among the many suspended for covering a story about pro-Palestine movements on campus. Three of the student suspensions have since been lifted. 

And at Tufts University, an international student was detained for writing an op-ed in the college newspaper, where she criticized the school’s response to the war in Gaza. 

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Journalists are being punished for their activism, something that could set a dangerous precedent for the future. 

Student reporters are still journalists, meaning freedom of the press shouldn’t be limited to “professional” journalists. 

We are entitled to the same First Amendment rights and should be allowed to express personal opinions without fear of censorship, according to the Society of Professional Journalists.

These recent attacks on the rights of student journalists are concerning. We need to be supported and protected during this tumultuous political time, as journalism is necessary to help communities stay informed.

Without the protection of journalists, school administrators could suppress stories they find controversial, preventing important conversations. 

And even at the federal level, journalists of all experience levels have been experiencing retaliation for merely doing their jobs.

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For instance, President Donald Trump’s administration banned The Associated Press from the White House press pool in March. A court has since reinstated its access to the White House.

These actions allow leaders to control media coverage, which is dangerous.

Censorship of media outlets raises concerns about transparency and the role of a free press, especially in a democratic society. We cannot selectively cherry-pick articles or perspectives because that negates the point of journalism, which is to create awareness.

Journalism is valuable to research, ethical reasoning and collaboration. Censorship can put a hold on creative freedom and undercut learning. 

Student journalism prepares young adults for their future careers. It teaches students how to investigate, question authority and report facts. These skills are essential in a functioning democracy as well.

And when student journalists face repercussions for coverage, it creates a discouraging work environment where we feel our work is going both overlooked and underappreciated. 

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Student newsrooms are training grounds for future professionals. If student journalists face censorship or punishment for covering stories, it could discourage them from pursuing careers in media.

To prevent further censorship, it is important to understand that legal protections are in place for journalists.

Many states have passed the New Voices Law, primarily for universities, to restore and strengthen student press freedoms, according to the Student Press Law Center.

These laws limit the ability of schools to censor certain content and also provide protections for journalists in college and high school.

Although these laws are important to the protection of student journalists, the students themselves follow professional standards to uphold.

Journalistic integrity ensures that journalists follow accuracy, fairness and ethics. We deserve the legal respect that comes with those efforts. 

Let us not continue the problematic trend of punishing student reporters for our coverage and activism. We deserve the right to report stories and present our opinions without fear of retaliation. 

If we suppress the voices of student journalists, we risk stifling important stories. Not every article or writer will be in favor of a university’s or administration’s agenda, but that’s OK because the purpose of journalism is to bring light to information.