Media contact:
Kirsten Kendrick
President, Board of Western Washington Professional Chapter of SPJ
206-235-0750, kirsten_kendrick@hotmail.com

First Amendment Rights for Student Journalists:

Western Washington Board of Society of Professional Journalists' Statement on Student Press Freedom Bill

SEATTLE - Jan. 26, 2007 - The 11-member board of the Western Washington Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) issued the following statement regarding proposed student press freedom legislation:

"The board of the Western Washington Pro Chapter of SPJ supports the First Amendment rights of student journalists. The 'Student Press Freedom Bill' would protect these rights in statute. We're confident that student journalists in this state are ready to accept the responsibilities that accompany those rights."

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. Founded in 1909, SPJ promotes the free flow of information to a well-informed public, protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press, and works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists.

For more information on the Western Washington Professional Chapter of SPJ, go to www.spjwash.org.