On April 29 three members of Pennsylvania New Voices testified in favor of House Bill 1309 in front of the Education Committee. Although the committee is not moving the bill forward at this time, their interest in finding out more about student journalism protection is encouraging.
It was the first hearing of its kind for PA New Voices.
Although there was no one to testify in opposition, legislators indicated they want to hear more from school administrators and school boards.
House Bill 1309 seeks to protect students from unwarranted censorship. It also seeks to protect teacher advisers from retribution and retaliation for supporting their students’ First Amendment rights.
The committee members were impressed by student leader advocate, Ben Shapiro, former editor-in-chief of The Spoke at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, who related his experiences with administrative censorship and expressed concern about restricting student voices.
“Journalism is the bedrock of democracy, and student journalism is where it all begins,” said Ben Shapiro, former editor-in-chief of The Spoke at Conestoga High School and New Voices student advocate leader.
