Issuu Celebrates World Press Freedom Day 2019

“Too often, people who stifle student voices fear what they have to say. I know. I’ve lived it.” – New Voices advocate and Prosper High School newspaper editor Neha Madhira for CNN.

What is World Press Freedom Day?

World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on May 3rd. The day is designed to raise awareness of the freedom of the press, and its importance in our society. World Press Freedom day shows governments around the world the importance of respecting freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Even now in 2019, journalists of different facets face censorship issues. World Press Freedom Day is a reminder to respect and uplift journalists.

Paying Mind to Student Press Censorship on World Press Freedom Day

Student press censorship is a major issue in many states in the United States. That’s why Neha, among others, are fighting for New Voices legislation across the country. New Voices is a nonpartisan, student-powered grassroots movement at the state level. These activists are seeking to protect student press freedom. From advocates in law, education, journalism, and civics, these groups are coming together to allow students the protections they deserve.

“…Our story highlights a much larger issue. Since students — from elementary school through college — have so little legal protection from this kind of censorship, student media staffs seeking to get their stories out use the court of public opinion, often through local media like we did, or by housing their stories on publishing platforms like Issuu to put pressure on their administrators.” – Neha for CNN

Students: Want to know more about your rights? We collaborated with Neha Madhira with thanks to the SPLC to put together this guide to your rights.

Neha has made her mark as a vocal advocate for New Voices and has called for protections for student journalism. A few months ago, Neha along with a panel of student press activists spoke at the Issuu Generators Summit in New York. She was joined by Melissa Falkowski, Faculty Adviser & Teacher, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School; Lori Oglesbee, Educator and Advocate; and Rebecca Schneid, Student & Co-Editor-in-Chief, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Watch their panel below, “A World Without The First Amendment”:

How Journalists Can Use Issuu to Publish

Using a digital publishing platform like Issuu allows for journalists of all kinds to publish freely. World Press Freedom Day is about the freedom of the press. Publishing digitally with Issuu enables journalists to publish in a way that is freeing. Learn more about Issuu’s tools with the Issuu Creator Hub.