Journalism is under attack. Every day, journalists put their lives on the line to document history. We uncover the truth, and in turn we allow for powerful institutions to be held accountable. The recent infringements of free press rights are crumbling the foundation of democracy before our eyes. The Talon feels obligated to ask you — our readers — to stand with us to protect a free future.
Free Press Infringement in the Land of the Free
The First Amendment of our democratic country states that Congress shall make no law “abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” It’s a promise that many Americans hold near and dear to their identities. But this promise is being endangered as journalists are threatened with violence, censorship and a lack of public trust.
Public trust in journalism has been damaged in recent years, with 33% of Americans reporting a distrust in national news networks as of 2025, according to Pew Research Center. That’s what happens when social media allows individuals to share their opinions as facts, and misinformation proliferates. If no one is willing to listen to the stories that matter, then complicity becomes commonplace. The truth becomes twisted, and any call for action is lost amid comment section political debates.
But it’s not just a lack of trust that threatens free press. Under the Trump administration, both political and corporate pressure have demeaned the integrity of the journalism industry. ABC News suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show from Sep. 17 to 22 over his remarks about political commentator Charlie Kirk’s death. Kimmel was reinstated only after a public outcry over First Amendment concerns.
Recently, the Pentagon — the U.S. Department of War headquarters — stepped up its media restrictions for reporters. Among these are increased press pass regulations that allow Pentagon employees to revoke journalists’ credentials for asking questions they don’t like, according to the New York Times. Previously, journalists had to sign a one-page agreement stating they’ll follow security measures — now, the new conditions span 21 pages, including requiring escorts. Many journalists have refused to comply, claiming the new regulations go against ethical reporting standards.
Calling out infringements on the freedom of speech can protect the press. When we don’t, precedents for censorship are established, and the future of free press becomes a slippery slope.
What Does This Mean for Us?
Infringement of free press anywhere endangers it everywhere. In the wake of these recent developments, The Talon is left wondering when these issues will trickle down to our publication. The future of our industry is uncertain, and we are concerned.
As of 2025, only 18 states, including California, have laws explicitly protecting student journalists under the New Voices legislation. In a majority of the country, student publications face censorship under Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier — the current precedent for public high schools and some colleges — for reporting on topics deemed “controversial.”
This May, Columbia University administrators suspended several student reporters covering a pro-Palestinian protest for allegedly crossing professional boundaries to participate in the event, despite the students identifying themselves as press.
Even in California, student journalists are endangered on the job. Last spring, a Stanford Daily reporter was arrested while covering a campus protest. The Student Press Law Center fought a months-long lawsuit to clear his name. Just two years ago, Mountain View High School Principal Kip Glazer allegedly pressured The Oracle to alter content and replaced the long-standing adviser after the paper reported on sexual harassment.
The Talon strives to shed light on unseen communities to open minds and create positive change. When journalists document the humanity that connects us with our neighbors, enemies and friends across the world, we bridge communities. Strangers become less “strange,” and empathy becomes a human obligation.
The Talon will not shy away from covering complex issues; good journalism isn’t about making people happy, nor is it meant to be political. The truth speaks for itself, and journalists are the messengers.
Understanding and defending press freedom ensures that student journalists can question, investigate and report on truths without fear. It starts here, in our newsroom, every time we deliver stories that make a difference.
What You Can Do
As students, you should use journalism to build a deeper understanding of how we shape the world. The first step: read, listen or watch the stories while they can still be told. Without a proper understanding of what is happening in our community and in our world, it’s easy to become complacent with the demise of our democracy — and our ability to make change is limited.
Please read our in-depth article on page 6 to further understand how social media has significantly affected the spread of information and polarization.
Powerful, world-changing stories will always need to be told. The Talon will continue to write them.
