In an era where press freedom faces increasing challenges, student journalists across American universities are grappling with various forms of institutional censorship that threaten their ability to report independently. These are just some of the ways that our fellow student publications have been censored.
Defunding
At the forefront of these challenges is the threat of defunding. Universities wield significant power by controlling crucial resources including funding, office space and official organizational status. When student newspapers publish controversial investigations or critical opinion pieces, administrators sometimes respond by withdrawing these essential resources, effectively crippling the publications’ operations.
In 2017 Texas State University’s student paper The University Star was threatened with defunding unless the editorial staff resigned due to backlash of an opinion piece, “Your DNA is an abomination.” The editorial argued that race — including “whiteness” — is a social construct used to oppress non-white populations.
Physical Interference
The traditional practice of newspaper theft continues to plague student publications, despite the shift toward digital publishing. While online distribution remains unaffected, the theft of physical copies creates substantial operational and financial burdens for student journalists. These incidents typically spike following unfavorable coverage of campus events or issues.
In 2019 Radford University’s The Tartan around 1000 went missing and administrators wanted to start sitting in on weekly staff meetings.
Direct Censorship
Direct censorship attempts have become increasingly bold, with some administrators openly demanding content removal or attempting to dictate coverage boundaries. These demands, ranging from subtle suggestions to explicit directives, often aim to protect institutional reputations at the expense of journalistic integrity.
In 2017, Santa Clara University’s student newspaper, The Santa Clara, faced administrative censorship after publishing donor criticism of a dean, prompting the editor to remove the comments following pressure from university officials.
Prior Review
Prior review practices represent a particularly concerning form of censorship. Some administrators insist on reviewing content before publication or attempt to prevent certain stories from being published altogether. Legal experts note that such practices directly conflict with First Amendment protections, especially at public institutions.
In 2007, Quinnipiac University restricted its student newspaper from publishing online before print and later attempted to control editorial board selection.
Adviser Pressure
Faculty advisers often find themselves caught in the crossfire. Universities have been known to target them with professional consequences or removal when they support student journalists in controversial coverage. This pressure can create an untenable conflict between advisers’ professional obligations and institutional demands.
In 2005, Le Moyne College dismissed the student newspaper’s adviser for insufficient control over content, prompting staff to strike when administrators moved to select a replacement.
Restrictive Media Policies
Adding to these challenges, many universities have implemented restrictive media policies that function as de facto gag orders on faculty members. These policies create artificial barriers between student journalists and academic experts, significantly hampering coverage of complex campus issues.
In 2018, Loyola University Chicago implemented a “Media Relations Policy” requiring faculty to get PR approval before speaking to any media, including the student newspaper, hindering student reporting.
What can we do?
As student newspapers continue to serve as vital reporters on campus, these various forms of censorship pose significant challenges to their mission of providing independent, critical coverage of university affairs.
Since 1999, FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) has amassed more than 690 victories defending student and faculty rights on more than 300 campuses nationwide. (FIRE)
To learn more about student censorship and how to defend student press freedom, visit thefire.org to learn about how FIRE is actively fighting our case and how you can make a difference.
However, the most important resource is knowing your rights. The courts have ruled that if a school creates a student news medium and allows students to serve as editors, the First Amendment drastically limits the school’s ability to censor. Student journalists need to know their rights are so they can be empowered to practice bold journalism.