A coalition of groups published a report on the independent student media imperiled by censorship, retaliation and secrecy. The report made several recommendations one of the main ones that school public relations offices should provide student journalists with direct access to officials and records. The report was inspired by a number of recent egregious retaliations against the free scholastic press including the firing of a West Virginia college newspaper adviser over student-written articles on unhealthy mold in campus housing. (Student Press Law Center, December 1, 2016, press release)
In addition to firing advisers, universities have shut down successful journalism programs claiming financial hardship. The report recommends that states step up to pass laws strengthening the independence of the student news media and that student publications establish sources of funding that would insulate them against institutional interference. (American Association of University Professors, December 1, 2016)