Public University Student Newspapers and the First Amendment : An Overview of First Amendment Applications

Abstract

This project on "Public University Student Newspapers and the First Amendment" aims to expand upon previous constitutional law research to understand the question of free speech and free press rights of students in public university student newspapers. Research will focus on analyzing U.S. Supreme Court cases such as Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier (1988), Rosenberger v. University of Virginia (1995), University of Wisconsin System v. Southworth (2000), Near v. Minnesota (1931), and others. Such case investigations help to further refine the discourse of student free speech and free press rights within public university newspapers, which is significant because of the implications for public university students, campus environments, and the future of professional journalism. There are student-run newspapers on college campuses across the country, and the limit to public university student expression is still being defined. Public university students must understand the extent of their rights so that they may freely express their views and learn how to use language to enrich journalism and report on campus activities.