The ULM Hawkeye celebrates Student Press Freedom Day on Thursday, February 26th.
On this day, students across America raise awareness about the difficulties faced by student journalists and advocate for their rights. Student Press Freedom Day offers budding journalists and writers a chance to share their perspectives on the student press and to acknowledge the difficulties faced by previous student journalists. Every year brings a new theme, and this year's theme is Resilience in Action.
Assistant Director Courtney Collins highlights why this theme was chosen. "The student press has faced some unprecedented problems regarding their freedom of speech.”
The freedom of the student press is crucial as it honors the First Amendment right to free speech. The student press is essential for informing students about events happening both on and off campus. Additionally, it provides students with a platform to express their opinions that they might not have otherwise.
Blade Gowen, Assistant Editor at Hawkeye, shares his thoughts on what the student press means. "Our job is to give students a voice."
Hawkeye students just returned from the Southeast Journalism Conference at Georgia Highlands College. Gowen and others brought home a few awards. Best Newspaper Design in the South, 1st Place went to Keith Webb, the editor-in-chief of The Hawkeye. Best Graphic Design in the South, 1st Place was given to Pawan Khatri, the editor-in-chief of Chacahoula. Emma Sullivan, a senior copy editor, took home 3rd Place in Best Opinion Writing. In both the Sports Photography Onsite competition and the Feature Photography Onsite competition, Apil KC secured 1st Place. Lastly, Blade Gowen was awarded 3rd Place in the Arts and Entertainment Multimedia Reporting Onsite competition.
For interested students, contact Courtney Collins at collins.ulm.edu or Whitney Martin in Stubbs 131. For anyone interested in supporting ULM's Student Publications, go to ulmhawkeyeonline.com or contact Courtney Collins or Whitney Martin.
