Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) recently met with a group of student journalists from Corning-Painted Post High School. They were in Albany to advocate for passage of the Student Journalist Free Speech Act (A.1345), which would protect student journalists' free speech at educational facilities. Pictured from left to right are Superintendent of Corning-Painted Post School District Michelle Caulfield, Leila Lanovici, Adelaide Barlow, Kate Shaddock, Grant Terwilliger, Assemblyman Palmesano and CPP journalism teacher and yearbook advisor Mike Simons.

“I cannot begin to emphasize enough just how proud I am of these incredible student journalists at Corning-Painted Post High School. This issue started with the student journalists at Corning-Painted Post back in 2017 and they have continued to work so very hard to advocate for this important issue, building more and more support with other schools and the Legislature every year. I have no doubt their hard work, perseverance and continued outreach and education will eventually make this bill law in New York state. I also want to thank Corning-Painted Post School Superintendent Michelle Caufield for the school district’s support of these students over the years as they continue to work toward their goal of passing this legislation,” said Palmesano.

“A free press and free speech are essential to a functioning democracy, and if these students at Corning-Painted Post High School are the future of journalism, then I know we are in good hands,” concluded Palmesano.