by Troy Cofie

The Delphian has joined a Student Press Law Center (SPLC)-led coalition that has filed an amicus brief in a federal lawsuit voicing concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement. This lawsuit was filed by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression on behalf of “The Stanford Daily” with two other plaintiffs, and seeks to challenge Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s usage of the Revocation Provision and Deportation Provision  which allow him to revoke international students’ visas and deport them for protected political speech. According to “The Stanford Daily,” the Trump administration’s current policy is creating an environment of fear for many international students, increasing anonymity requests when providing comments and forcing many to quit student journalism altogether.

This level of fear has spurred the SPLC and its partners to issue a student media alert to navigate this hostile environment. Executive director of SPLC Gary Green said, “Student media is where the next generation engages with the essential skills and principles of democracy.” 

He stressed how violating international students’ freedom of speech further undermines the core principles of democracy and journalism. Furthermore, as mentioned in the amicus brief, student journalism has been a protected activity upheld by the Supreme Court itself. The brief states, “Student media outlets are far more than training grounds for future journalists; they provide a forum for democratic engagement for all participants.”

The Delphian joins over 50 other student media outlets, SPLC, the Associated Collegiate Press and the College Media Association in this amicus brief to protect and advocate for international students’ freedom of speech.