NJ 'Freedom Of Expression' Law Now Protects Student Journalists

NEW JERSEY — It is a law more than three years in the making that grew from two New Jersey Assemblyman, to 30 legislators on both sides of the aisle in support of it.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bill into law on Dec. 21, first introduced by Assemblymen Harold “Hal” Wirths, R-24th Dist. and Ralph R. Caputo, R-28th Dist., in 2018. Senators Nia H. Gill, D-34th Dist. and Shirley K. Turner, D-15th Dist., later jumped on as sponsors, with close to 30 co-sponsors who also came on board.

Under the new law, student journalists in both public schools and universities can now “determine the content of school-sponsored media like newspapers and blogs and exercise freedom of speech,” a news release from the Assembly Republicans states.

“Except in cases where a story is libelous, obscene, incites violence or constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy, student reporters have the right to free speech under the law,” the release continued.

“Student journalists often serve as important watchdogs by holding those in power accountable for their actions," Wirths said. "Unfortunately, school-sponsored media is more easily censored.”

“This new law upholds the principles of the First Amendment," he added. “Free student press gives budding journalists a platform to share stories that should not be suppressed."

Louis Crescitelli, a spokesperson for the 24th District, told Patch that advisors from Hunterdon Central Regional High School, teachers and advisors for student-run publications and groups, first came to the district for help with the issue.

Groups that have advocated for the change have included New Jersey’s Society for Professional Journalists, Garden State Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association and the Student Press Law Center.

During a phone interview on Thursday, Wirths said he learned students were being discouraged from writing about particular topics.

“It’s [the legislation] something I’m very proud of and so glad the Governor signed it,” said Wirths.

The Garden State Scholastic Press Association, also gave a shout out about the “New Voices” bill for the young journalists who may eventually branch out into the field professionally, sharing on Twitter that the Senate and Assembly each passed it unanimously 39-0 and 65-0.

BREAKING: Our New Voices bill to protect First Amendment rights of student journalists in NJ passed in both our state Senate (39-0) and Assembly (65-0) yesterday by unanimous votes!!!! Now it goes to @GovMurphy's desk. We're SO close!!!! @SPLC @newvoicesnj
— GSSPA (@GSSPA) December 21, 2021

The Journalism Education Association tweeted that the law now makes New Jersey the 15th “New Voices state.”

Thanks to support from JEA, @SPLC and @GSSPA, New Jersey becomes the 15th New Voices state! Read more: https://t.co/V0JjO9zW4p#pressrights #hsjournalism pic.twitter.com/uKba0T46Wh
— JEA (@nationalJEA) December 22, 2021

“The Student Press Law Center, the Garden State Scholastic Press Association and the Journalism Education Association commend the New Jersey legislature and Governor Murphy for their unanimous support of student press freedom and thank all of the students, advisers and supporters who have worked tirelessly for years to achieve this moment,” the Journalism Education Association released in a statement on their website.

New Jersey’s Society for Professional Journalists has a webpage dedicated to the New Voices topic and the battle student journalists in the state have fought to have their First Amendment Rights recognized.

“We live in a world where it is all too easy to tune out differing or uncomfortable opinions or viewpoints, but it is critical to a free society that we allow everyone to express themselves,” Wirths said. “We should never be afraid to print the truth and should always encourage the freedom of press.”

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