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New Voices of Texas

@newvoicestx

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💭 A student-led scholastic press rights movement advocating against the practice of prior review and prior restraint in Texas.

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Introducing the 2026-27 New Voices Texas Regional Organizers! by @newvoicestx

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2 months ago

Meet the 2026-27 New Voices Texas Officers! by @newvoicestx

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2 months ago

“Over two months ago, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting closed after President Donald Trump signed nationwide funding cuts to public media into law, threatening rural communities’ access to information and working journalists’ jobs,” Poojasai Kona said.

“This devaluation of public media and journalism reveals itself to be a top-down erosion of truth-telling that silences student journalists.”

“As politicians and administrators see national attacks on the media as justified due to the recent defunding, they’re more likely to justify silencing student journalists, too. So student journalists like Faith Zantua, co-news editor at her school’s newspaper The Spoke, say it’s important to build coalitions for the New Voices movement to protect student journalists’ rights.”

“‘Doing this New Voices work is setting a precedent,’ said Zantua, also the student lead advocate of New Voices Pennsylvania. ‘That’s one of the most important things that this legislation does. It exists to establish this precedent that not only is student journalism important and something we should care about, but it’s also something that deserves protection.’”

Read more from @poojasaikona by tapping on the link in our bio.

📸: Naina Srivastava
#youthvoice #stuvoice #houyouth #hounews by @newvoicestx

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a year ago

It was great to meet all of the amazing student journalists at TAJE Fall Fiesta! Spread the word! Get involved! Click the link bio to sign the petition and share your censorship stories! taken in Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center by @newvoicestx

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13 days ago

Come join our workshop to learn about how to student journalism censorship in Texas by passing a New Voices law at the fall fiesta convention in room 008B at 10:45 today! taken in Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center by @newvoicestx

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13 days ago

by @newvoicestx

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13 days ago

New Voices Texas is thrilled to announce the official establishment and inaugural membership of its Advisory Board, a dedicated group of educators, media industry professionals, and student press freedom advocates committed to supporting and defending scholastic media across the Lone Star State.
Read the full press release on our website to learn about this diverse group of advocates for student press rights in Texas.

Read more at the link in bio. by @newvoicestx

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2 months ago

In just six months we may see our best chance to pass a New Voices bill in Texas when the Legislature convenes in January 2027, but we need your help.

Our fundraising deadline will hit on June 30 to help support the student leaders working to pass legislation that will protect student press rights in Texas. We also have recurring bills to pay, including our website annual renewal fee, so anything you can give to help us, will be greatly appreciated. Whether it’s $5, $10 or $100, it all makes a difference. Click the link in bio to find our donation page. by @newvoicestx

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4 months ago

We’re now accepting applications for our 2026–2027 leadership team! Join our interest Zoom meeting to learn what it means to serve as an officer or specialist and how you can make an impact! For questions, email us at newvoices4texas@gmail.com 🌟 by @newvoicestx

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6 months ago

New Voices Texas student leaders share how to fight for student press rights with student journalists attending the ILPC Convention at UT this weekend. Apply to be a NVT student leader by click the link in our bio. taken in The University of Texas at Austin by @newvoicestx

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6 months ago

Last May, Texas legislators passed a statewide school cell phone ban, blocking students from over 1,200 school districts from using their personal devices during the school day. The ban took effect on Sept. 1.

While educational leaders and educators argue that limiting access to cell phones increases classroom achievement and connectivity, for student journalists across Texas, not having access to their devices means navigating a new normal in their newsrooms.

Texas is now one of 30 states across the country to limit cell phone usage. However, specific policies around the ban differ across schools based on available resources and administrative priorities. Some schools purchased pouches where cell phones are stored throughout the day, while others require students to keep their devices in their backpacks during instruction time.

Students also say that a cell phone ban can limit their connectivity to their families. “I’ve heard stories about underclassmen having their phones taken by APs (assistant principals), and they’re trying to text home to get a ride after school, but they can’t. I personally have had to text my mom 30 minutes before school ended because it’s pouring rain, so I know firsthand how hard it is to be so reliant on your family but unable to access those resources,” Katie Grumet said.

“Having the phone ban does make me worry about threatening situations. Specifically armed intruders, which makes me wonder if I pull out my phone and get written up,” says Erick Garcia said.

Via Marium Zahra

📸: @andiwasjustlike by @newvoicestx

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7 months ago

When her school administration began regularly exercising prior review, Poojasai Kona didn't just accept the status quo—she started digging. 📝🔍

In this clip from our recent webinar, Poojasai—our New Voices Texas Statewide Organizing Officer—explains how she began investigating her school district’s policies to understand the rules surrounding student press rights. Instead of letting censorship stop her, she used her investigative skills to advocate for herself and her peers.

Poojasai’s journey from reporter to advocate is a powerful reminder that knowing the rules is the first step in changing them. Scholastic Journalism Week might be over, but our mission to protect student press rights in Texas is far from over. 🛡️💻

Missed the live session? We’ve got you covered:
📺 Watch: Full replay now live on our YouTube channel!
🎧 Listen: Available as a podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Check the link in our bio to watch or listen.

Ways to take action TODAY:

1️⃣ Recruit Adult Supporters: We are still looking for dedicated adult supporters, professionals, and educators to join our steering committee and permanent Advisory Board. Apply via the link in our bio by the end of March!

2️⃣ Write Your Lawmaker: Personal stories from students like Poojasai are incredibly powerful. Use the lookup tool in our bio to find your rep and tell them why a New Voices bill is essential for Texas. ✍️

3️⃣ Student Leaders: Ready to lead like Poojasai? Applications for our next student officer cohort open this April! 🗓️

🔗 Link in bio for the YouTube replay, Podcast links, and Leadership applications!

#NewVoices #NewVoicesTexas #StudentPressFreedom #StudentJournalism #PressFreedom #FirstAmendment #StudentLeadership #StudentAdvocacy by @newvoicestx

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8 months ago