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Announcing the 2026–2027 New Voices Texas Student Leadership Team

With the 2027 Texas Legislative Session only a few months away, New Voices Texas is thrilled to officially introduce our 2026–2027 Student Leadership Team!

This school year marks a pivotal moment for student press freedom in the Lone Star State. As we gear up for the opening of the 89th Legislative Session in January 2027, our student advocates are ready to lead the charge, build statewide coalitions, and fight for the legal protections student journalists need and deserve.

Meet the Team Driving the Movement

We are excited to welcome 16 dedicated student leaders from across Texas who will be spearheading our legislative advocacy, outreach, and educational initiatives this year. You can learn more about each of these inspiring young journalists and advocates on our 2026–2027 Student Leaders Page.

What’s New This Year?

  • Three College Outreach Specialists (First Time Ever!): For the very first time, we have expanded our team to include three dedicated College Outreach Specialists. Censorship and administrative overreach don’t stop at high school graduation. These specialists will focus on connecting with collegiate newsrooms, university journalists, and higher-education press freedom allies across Texas.
  • Four Regional Organizers: Texas is huge, and building a grassroots movement requires strong local connections. Our four Regional Organizers will serve as primary points of contact for student journalists, advisers, and advocates in their respective regions of the state. They will coordinate local advocacy, assist student newsrooms facing censorship, and mobilize support as we ramp up our legislative campaign.

Want to see how we divide our grassroots efforts across the Lone Star State? Visit our Regional Organizing Team Webpage to find your regional contact and see how your county fits into our statewide coalition.

Building on Last Year’s Momentum

Our incoming leadership team builds on a powerful foundation laid over the past year. Thanks to the relentless efforts of our outgoing officers and dedicated supporters, New Voices Texas achieved significant milestones during the 2025–2026 school year:

  • Community Education & Outreach: Hosted statewide events during Scholastic Journalism Week, including legal rights webinars and interactive press freedom quizzes in partnership with the Student Press Law Center (SPLC). Watch the full video presentation and discussion on our YouTube Channel.
  • Expanded Media Reach: Launched outreach via the New Voices Podcast (including series such as Beyond the Byline) to amplify the real stories and challenges facing student newsrooms across Texas. Listen to our podcast episodes on the go via Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or watch full video versions on YouTube.
  • Advisory Board Launch: Successfully formed our new Advisory Board, uniting veteran journalists, attorneys, educators, and First Amendment advocates to provide strategic guidance and mentorship to our student leaders.

Our Priority This Fall: Finding Our Legislative Sponsors

In 2025, we were honored to have State Rep. Gina Hinojosa file our New Voices bill in the Texas Legislature. As Rep. Hinojosa pursues her campaign for Texas Governor, she will be stepping down from her seat in the House.

Our top priority this fall is to identify state lawmakers in both the Texas House and Senate who support student press rights and will agree to serve as our primary bill sponsors for the 2027 legislative session.

Finding champions in the Capitol is crucial, but lawmakers act when they hear directly from their constituents. That is why we need YOU to join us right now.

How You Can Take Action as a Supporter

Whether you are a student, journalism teacher, parent, professional journalist, or First Amendment advocate, here is how you can support the movement today:

1. Contact Your State Lawmakers Today

We urge all supporters to reach out to their local State Representatives and State Senators now before the legislative session begins in January.

  • Tell them why student press freedom matters to your community.
  • Educate them on the urgent need to pass a New Voices law in Texas to protect student journalists from arbitrary censorship and protect journalism advisers from administrative retaliation.
  • Remind them that student journalists perform a crucial public service by telling the vital stories that impact their schools and towns.

2. Share Your Censorship Story (For Students)

If you are a student journalist who has faced censorship, administrative hurdles, or editorial interference, your voice matters more than ever. State lawmakers need to hear real, firsthand accounts of what it is like to work as a student journalist in Texas today.

Please take a few minutes to fill out our Student Censorship Survey. Your responses will help us compile powerful testimony to share with legislators as we advocate for press freedom protections.

3. Support Our Fundraising Efforts

Running a statewide advocacy campaign requires financial resources. From maintaining our website to providing travel subsidies and lobby training for students visiting the Capitol in the spring, every dollar makes an impact.

  • Donate directly: Make a tax-deductible contribution through our Donorbox Donation Page.
  • Wear your support: Purchase an official New Voices Texas t-shirt through our Bonfire Store, with proceeds going directly to our advocacy work.

4. Listen, Follow & Spread the Word

  • Tune in and subscribe to our podcasts on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to stay informed on current student press freedom topics.
  • Follow and tag us on Instagram (@newvoicestx) and share our posts with your network.
  • Share our educational resources and presentation materials with your local school boards, journalism classes, and community groups.

Standing Together for the First Amendment

When we censor student journalists, we teach the next generation that truth requires administrative approval and that constitutional rights end at the schoolhouse door. With 16 dynamic student leaders leading the charge and a passionate network of supporters across Texas, we are ready to make 2027 the year Texas cures Hazelwood and secures press freedom for all students.

Thank you for standing with our student leaders. Let’s make history together!

To get involved or report censorship in your school, email us at newvoices4texas@gmail.com or visit newvoicestx.com.

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New Voices Texas announces formation of Advisory Board

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: August 2, 2026
Contact: Sydney Ortiz, New Voices Texas Communications Officer
Email: newvoices4texas@gmail.com | sydneyortiz35@gmail.com
Website / Socials: NewVoicesTX.com | Instagram: @newvoicestx

New Voices Texas Announces First Advisory Board and Leadership Ahead of 2027 Legislative Session

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.

Following an election on July 30, 2026, the board has named its inaugural leadership team:

  • Jennifer Buergermeister, Advisory Board Chair
  • Andrea Negri, Advisory Board Vice Chair
  • Melissa Perner, Advisory Board Secretary

Beginning its strategic work this August, the Advisory Board will focus on empowering student journalists and laying the groundwork for advocacy during the 2027 Texas Legislative Session, where New Voices Texas aims to pass state-level legislation guaranteeing legal protections for student press rights under the First Amendment.

“I believe New Voices Texas has an incredible opportunity before us,” said Advisory Board Chair Jennifer Buergermeister in a letter to advisory board members and student leaders. “Together, we can create a stronger statewide network that brings students, educators, professional journalists, attorneys, universities, and community partners together to protect and expand the rights of student journalists.”

Buergermeister emphasized that the coalition’s goals extend beyond legislative advocacy. “My hope is that our organization becomes more than a legislative effort. I want it to become a vibrant community where students feel heard, advisers feel supported, and everyone has a meaningful way to contribute throughout the year,” she added, pointing to regular monthly meetings and year-round mentorship as key steps toward sustaining momentum.

The mission of the Advisory Board is to provide mentorship, strategic guidance, professional networking, and institutional advocacy to New Voices Texas—a vibrant, student-led nonpartisan grassroots coalition. By working in close partnership with student leaders, the Advisory Board ensures that young reporters across Texas have the support, resources, and legal backing necessary to cover vital community issues safely, ethically, and without fear of censorship.

Meet the New Voices Texas Advisory Board Members

Board Officers

Jennifer Buergermeister — Advisory Board Chair

  • Title/Role: High School News & Yearbook Adviser | Adjunct Professor & Lecturer
  • Organization/Affiliation: Bellaire High School (Houston ISD), Rice University, College of Health Care Professions (CHCP), CIEE
  • Biography: Jennifer Buergermeister is a journalism educator at Bellaire High School in Houston where she advises award-winning student media programs and champions student press freedom. She also serves as an adjunct professor in psychology at CHCP and a lecturer at Rice University in health and wellness. As a published author, global program leader, longtime educator, and Texas advocate, she has spent more than two decades developing leaders through journalism, health, small business advocacy, and civic engagement. Jennifer is passionate about empowering young voices, strengthening ethical journalism, and helping students understand the essential role of a free press in sustaining democracy and informed communities while navigating a complex political system.

Andrea Negri — Advisory Board Vice Chair

  • Title/Role: Journalism Teacher & JEA Member
  • Organization/Affiliation: Cy-Woods High School (Cypress-Fairbanks ISD)
  • Biography: Andrea serves as the Scholastic Press Rights Director for the Journalism Education Association (JEA) and is an active member of the JEA Scholastic Press Rights Committee. She brings deep expertise in media law, First Amendment rights, educator outreach, and professional networking to her leadership role on the board.

Melissa Perner — Advisory Board Secretary

  • Title/Role: High School Media Adviser
  • Organization/Affiliation: Ozona High School
  • Biography: Melissa is a high school publication adviser, former professional journalist, and former newspaper publisher and owner. She brings critical experience in government relations and legislative lobbying through her background with the Texas Press Association’s Legislative Advisory Committee.

Advisory Board Members

Dr. Pedro (PJ) Cabrera, MJE

  • Title/Role: Assistant Professor of Instruction, Communication
  • Organization/Affiliation: University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) & JEA
  • Biography: An award-winning educator with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Dr. Cabrera serves as an assistant professor of instruction in communication at UTSA. He coordinates JEA’s Scholastic Journalism Week, serves as the NAHJ Academic Officer at Large, is the At-Large Communication Member of the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists, and has worked as a dedicated advocate for scholastic journalism and community organizing.

Josette Coker

  • Title/Role: High School Yearbook Adviser | ATPI Board President
  • Organization/Affiliation: V.R. Eaton High School (Northwest ISD)
  • Biography: Josette Coker is the yearbook adviser at V.R. Eaton High School in Haslet, Texas, and has served as Board President of the Association of Texas Photography Instructors (ATPI) since 2025. An award-winning educator and photographer, she has led her students to success in statewide competitions while discovering a passion for scholastic journalism that continues to inspire the next generation of storytellers.

Chris Evans

  • Title/Role: Executive Director of Student Media
  • Organization/Affiliation: Rice University
  • Biography: Chris Evans serves as executive director of Student Media at Rice University, where he advises student journalists across print, digital, radio, and broadcast platforms. A former print journalist, he previously helped lead the successful effort to pass New Voices legislation in Vermont and brings extensive experience in student press rights, media law, newsroom leadership, and journalism education to the advisory board.

Trinidad Gonzales

  • Title/Role: Owner/Founder | Historian & Educator
  • Organization/Affiliation: History Education, Research and Creative
  • Biography: Trinidad Gonzales is a retired South Texas College History and Mexican American Studies instructor and owner/founder of the history consulting firm History Education, Research and Creative. Gonzales is a nationally recognized public historian who co-founded the award-winning public history project Refusing to Forget. He has been recognized for public advocacy with the American Historical Association John Lewis Award for History and Social Justice and recently completed two terms on the National Humanities Alliance board. As the editor of The Pan American student newspaper at UT-Pan American, he was selected to attend the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in 1993.

Angela Macias

  • Title/Role: Pathway Manager
  • Organization/Affiliation: Dallas Free Press
  • Biography: Angela Macias works with students in South and West Dallas to tell the unique stories of their neighborhoods for the non-profit, non-partisan news site. As a former high school publications adviser and newspaper reporter, she was recognized by the Associated Press Media Editors for her work utilizing the Freedom of Information Act. Angela is a passionate public education advocate who believes all young people should be equipped with the essential tools to be engaged members of their communities.

Gilbert D. Martinez

  • Title/Role: Professor
  • Organization/Affiliation: Texas State University
  • Biography: A veteran educator, Gilbert has taught media law, ethics, and free speech courses since 2003. He specializes in First Amendment jurisprudence and has a long-standing history of providing direct advocacy and legal-context support to student journalists.

Bao Ong

  • Title/Role: Restaurant Critic
  • Organization/Affiliation: Houston Chronicle
  • Biography: Bao Ong is a restaurant critic for the Houston Chronicle. In his first year as a restaurant columnist in Houston, he earned the top award in the Comment and Criticism category from the Texas Managing Editors organization. He previously worked on staff at Eater New York, Bon Appétit, and Time Out New York. In addition to his background in journalism, Bao is a graduate of the French Culinary Institute.

John Schwartz

  • Title/Role: Professor of Practice in Journalism
  • Organization/Affiliation: University of Texas at Austin
  • Biography: A former reporter for The New York Times and The Washington Post, John brings decades of elite professional journalism experience and deep newsroom leadership to the board. His work at UT Austin focuses on training the next generation of professional journalists.

Erin Sledge

  • Title/Role: High School Media Adviser
  • Organization/Affiliation: Eagle Mountain High School (Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD)
  • Biography: In addition to serving as a student publication adviser, Erin served as chair of the New Voices Advisory Steering Committee. Her background provides the board with valuable strengths in public relations, strategic communications, marketing, and professional design services.

David Doerr — NVT Adviser Liaison

  • Title/Role: High School Media Adviser | New Voices Texas Adviser Officer Liaison (Non-Voting Board Member)
  • Organization/Affiliation: Akins High School (Austin ISD)
  • Biography: David has served as the Adviser Officer for New Voices Texas since its formal establishment in 2019, guiding student leaders in their vital campaign to pass a New Voices law in Texas. He has worked as a dedicated high school newspaper adviser at Akins High School since 2010, fostering a strong culture of scholastic journalism.

Zara Bukhari — NVT Student Liaison

  • Title/Role: Legislative Officer for New Voices Texas | Editor-in-Chief
  • Organization/Affiliation: Three Penny Press (Bellaire High School)
  • Biography: Zara has served as a Legislative Officer for New Voices Texas since 2025. She has been actively involved in advocacy and press rights since her sophomore year in high school after joining her school’s publication. Through her work as a student journalist and editor, she experienced firsthand the importance of protecting student journalists’ abilities to report accurately and responsibly. In 2026, she was recognized as the TAJE Student Press Rights Advocate for her commitment to protecting student press freedom.

About New Voices

New Voices is a national, student-led movement powered by the Student Press Law Center (SPLC) to defend and expand First Amendment protections for student journalists through state-level legislation.

How to Join

If you are interested in serving on the advisory board to empower the next generation of truth-tellers, we invite you to apply.

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New Voices Texas needs your financial support!

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 $122 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.

Donate NOW!

It’s important to stay engaged during the upcoming election cycle and to reach out to state lawmakers to let them know that you will support them if they agree to support a New Voices bill. We are fortunate to have a New Voices supporter in State Rep. Gina Hinojosa  running for governor this year. She filed our New Voices bill during the 2025 legislative session. 

Because Hinojosa will be leaving her post in the Legislature, we will need to find a new state representative and state senator in the next few months to file a New Voices bill on our behalf for the upcoming legislative session. This summer, we will be sharing resources with all of you to help you learn how to reach out to lawmakers and educate them on the urgent need to pass a New Voices bill in Texas.

In the upcoming Spring, we will need financial resources to train and host students about how to lobby at the Capitol. So any financial support you can give now will help us plan ahead for these efforts.

Stay tuned in July when we will officially introduce our new student leaders, as well as our new New Voices Texas Advisory Board, which is made up of adult supporters New Voices legislation in Texas.

Donate to New Voices Texas before our June 30 fundraising deadline!

Please give to support our outreach via the New Voices podcast

Please consider making a donation to New Voices Texas so our advocates have the ability to act quickly when expenses come up. With your help, we will finally cure Hazelwood and give students, teachers, and administrators the clarity they need to support student journalism. 

Give whatever you can! Spread the word!

Help spread the word by sharing this message.

https://donorbox.org/support-new-voices-texas

You can also show your support for New Voices Texas by purchasing one of our t-shirts from Bonfire. Shirts will be shipped directly to your home.

Highlights of the 2025-2026 School Year

During a non-legislative year, New Voices Texas focuses its efforts on outreach and raising awareness. NVT leaders took advantage of Scholastic Journalism Week and Student Press Freedom Day by hosting a webinar that was recorded and uploaded as a YouTube video and podcast episode. We also worked to set up an Advisory Board made up of adult supporters of New Voices legislation, which we will be announcing with more details in July.

  • Watch on YouTube: View the full video presentation and discussion here.
  • Listen on the Go: We’ve released an audio-only podcast version of the webinar. You can find it on Spotify at this link or on Apple Podcasts at this link.
  • Stay tuned in July to learn about our new Advisory Board by checking out our website.
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Apply by May 31 to be a NVT Leader

Join us to learn about being a New Voices Texas leader

It’s time to pass the torch.

As another school year draws to a close, many of our dedicated New Voices Texas (NVT) student leaders are preparing to graduate and head off to new adventures. Their hard work has laid a powerful foundation, but the fight for student press freedom in the Lone Star State is far from over.

We are officially looking for the next generation of advocates, storytellers, and organizers to lead our movement for the 2026-2027 school year. The deadline to apply is May 31.

Join Our Virtual Interest Meeting

Want to learn more before you apply? We are hosting a virtual interest meeting for any student who wants to get involved as a new leader.

This is a great chance to talk to our current and outgoing officers—many of whom are graduating this year—to hear about their experiences, the projects they’ve worked on, and what the weekly workload actually looks like.

NVT Leaders Interest Meeting

Dial-in: (US) +1 336-949-8183 | PIN: 983 780 467#If you know you are interested in becoming an officer, please use this form to apply today!

When: Sunday, May 10 · 8:00 – 8:30 p.m. (CST)

Video Call Link: https://meet.google.com/bap-khoz-obc

Why This Year Matters: The Road to 2027

Advocacy is a marathon, not a sprint. While we continue to raise awareness and support student journalists across the state every day, we have our sights set on a major milestone: The 2027 Texas Legislative Session.

Texas legislative sessions only happen every two years. This means the 2027 session will be our next best chance to pass a New Voices law in Texas—a law that would protect student journalists and their advisers from administrative censorship and ensure that student media can truly serve its community.

To make that push a reality, we need to spend the upcoming 2026-2027 school year building a statewide coalition. We need leaders who are ready to organize, educate, and prepare for the halls of the Capitol in Austin.

Open Leadership Positions

We are looking for passionate high school and college journalists to fill several key roles, including:

  • Legislative Officers: Helping craft our strategy for the 2027 session.
  • Communications Officers: Managing our social media, newsletters, and public presence.
  • Regional Organizers: We are looking for representatives from North, South/Central, East, and West Texas to ensure every corner of the state is heard.
  • Educational & Club Development Officers: Helping students start New Voices clubs at their own schools.
  • Specialists: Focused roles for college outreach, social media creation, and promotion.

How to Apply

Whether you are an experienced editor-in-chief or a newcomer passionate about the First Amendment, we want to hear from you. You don’t need to be an expert in the law yet—you just need the drive to protect the voices of Texas students.

Click Here to Access the 2026-2027 NVT Leadership Application Form

Deadline: May 31, 2025

Click here to apply to be a NVT officer

Volunteer Interest Form

If you are unsure about your ability to serve as an officer but are interested in getting involved with advocating for New Voices Texas, please fill out our Interest Form linked below:

Click here to be a nvt volunteer

Level Up Your Advocacy: SPLC New Voices Student Leadership Institute

May 20 is deadline to apply for SPLC’s virtual Summer New Voices Student Leaders Institute

Looking for the best way to prepare for the 2027 legislative push? We highly recommend applying for the Student Press Law Center (SPLC) New Voices Student Leadership Institute.

This summer virtual institute is designed specifically to give students the tools they need to be effective advocates for press freedom. It’s a fantastic way to learn the ropes of civic action and connect with other student leaders from across the country.

Institute Schedule:

  • Summer Sessions: Tuesday–Thursday afternoons, July 14–23 (1:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT).
  • Year-Round Follow-up: The program includes four additional sessions on Sept. 19, Dec. 12, March 13, and June 5 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET.

If you have questions about the SPLC program, you can contact Grayson Marlow at gmarlow@splc.org.

Learn More & Apply:

The 2027 session might feel far away, but the work starts now. Join us, and let’s make history for Texas student journalists.

Click here to Apply for splc new voices summer institute

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Celebrate Scholastic Journalism Week with New Voices Texas!

By New Voices Texas

February is officially here, and with it comes the most important time of the year for student press advocacy. Scholastic Journalism Week (Feb. 23–27) is our chance to highlight the vital work of student truth-tellers across the state. Review this list of activities to find whatever your have the time and ability to do.

This week—and specifically Student Press Freedom Day this Thursday, Feb. 26—is the perfect moment to join the New Voices Texas movement. Whether you are a student, a parent, an educator, or a concerned citizen, your voice is needed to help protect editorial independence and First Amendment rights in our schools.

📢 How You Can Get Involved This Week

  • Learn About the Movement: We invite all supporters to review the New Voices Texas Presentation. This resource explains our mission to pass protective legislation in Texas and provides clear steps on how you can take ownership of these rights and help us grow.
  • Support Student Journalists: This year’s theme is “Press Under Pressure.” Take a moment to share our message on social media or reach out to your local student media program to let them know you stand with them.
  • Build Bridges with School Leaders: If you know a supportive school administrator, use this Canva Template to create a Certificate of Appreciation. Positive relationships between journalists and administrators are key to a healthy press environment!
  • Attend the Student Press Freedom Webinar: On February 28, we are hosting a deep dive into the legal landscape of student rights.

🎨 Spread the Word

Help us raise awareness by engaging with our community activities:

  • SPLC Press Freedom Quiz: Test your knowledge with the SPLC’s Press Freedom Quiz and share your score to start a conversation about First Amendment misconceptions.
  • Instagram Collaborations: Posting a video or photo about why student press freedom matters to you? Send a “Collab” request on Instagram to @newvoicestx so we can amplify your post!

⚖️ Join Our Leadership Team

We are still actively recruiting adult supporters to join our Steering Committee (Deadline: Feb. 28!) and our Advisory Board. If you are a journalist, lawyer, or advocate ready to help lead the charge for legislative change, please fill out our interest form.

Let’s make this Scholastic Journalism Week a turning point for student rights in Texas. Together, we can ensure the next generation of journalists is protected and empowered.

Visit newvoicestx.com for more updates and resources.

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A Call to Supporters of Student Press Freedom: Why We Need You Now

By New Voices Texas

We are currently living through a tumultuous era for the First Amendment. From the erosion of public trust in media to the increasing challenges facing newsrooms across the country, the infrastructure of a free press is being tested as never before.

In this environment, the challenge of training and supporting the next generation of journalists is not merely an academic concern—it is a democratic imperative. Yet, at the very moment when young storytellers need the strongest protection to learn their craft, they are often the most vulnerable to administrative overreach.

The Reality in Texas

As advocates for the First Amendment, we know that a free press is the cornerstone of our democracy. However, across the state of Texas, student journalists in high schools and colleges face administrative censorship and prior review that would be unthinkable in a professional newsroom.

When we allow student voices to be silenced, we are not just suppressing a single story; we are teaching the next generation that the First Amendment is conditional, and that truth is subject to the permission of those in power. We believe that the “student” prefix should never function as a waiver of constitutional rights.

A New Chapter for the Movement

Since 2019, New Voices Texas—a nonpartisan, student-led grassroots coalition—has been working tirelessly to pass state legislation that protects the editorial independence of student media and prevents retaliation against journalism advisors.

Our student leaders have shown incredible resilience, but the path through the Texas Capitol is steep. We recognize that for this movement to finally cross the finish line, we need to bridge the gap between student passion and professional influence.

This is where you come in.

We are issuing a call to all journalists, lawyers, educators, and First Amendment supporters: Stand with our students. We are actively recruiting a coalition of adults and industry professionals to provide the strategic weight and mentorship necessary to turn our vision into law.

How You Can Serve

We have designed two distinct participation paths for adult supporters to join our leadership team:

  • Path A: Full Leadership & Legacy Serve on the Steering Committee through May to help shape our immediate strategy, and then transition into a permanent member of our Advisory Board starting in June.
  • Path B: Targeted Strategic Support Serve on the Steering Committee as a temporary adviser through the end of May to provide expert guidance during this critical spring window.

Why Your Voice Matters

The 2027 Texas Legislative Session represents a critical window for student press freedom. To succeed, our student advocates need the legal expertise, media strategy, and professional credibility that only veteran journalists and First Amendment experts can provide.

Your involvement signals to lawmakers that student press rights are not just a “school issue”—they are a fundamental priority for the entire Texas media landscape.

Important Deadlines

To ensure we have our team ready to take action this spring, please note the following application deadlines:

  • Steering Committee Deadline: February 28
  • Permanent Advisory Board Deadline: May 1

Join the Movement

If you are ready to help us protect the future of Texas journalism, please complete our brief interest form below. Let us know which path fits your schedule and how your unique expertise can help us empower the next generation.

Complete the New Voices Texas Interest Form Here

Together, we can ensure that the future of the First Amendment in Texas is bright, bold, and protected.

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Beyond the Byline: Join the conversation about student press rights in Texas in our new podast

Check out the Beyond the Byline podcast on YouTube and the other major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listen in to this inaugural episode led by NVT officers Trisha Panicker and Sydney Ortiz.

Press Under Pressure: Fighting for Student Rights in Texas – Beyond the Byline

“It’s about more than just celebrating student media—it’s about protecting it.”In this special episode, recorded as the grand finale of Scholastic Journalism Week 2026, we tackle the reality of being a student journalist in Texas. From "prior review" to administrative censorship, student leaders and legal experts discuss why the "New Voices" movement is more critical than ever for the next generation of storytellers.Hosts Trisha Panicker (Eagle Nation Online) and Zara Bukhari (Three Penny Press) are joined by a powerhouse panel to discuss the legislative fight for student press freedom.In this episode, we meet:Andrea Negri: Student publication adviser at Cypress Woods HS & Director of the JEA Scholastic Press Rights Committee.Cameron Samuels: Executive Director of SEAT (Students Engaged in Advancing Texas).Grayson Marlow: Advocacy Associate for the Student Press Law Center (SPLC).Poojasai Kona: Managing Editor of the Raccoon Rambler & State Organizing Officer for New Voices Texas.Take Action:Student journalists deserve the same protections as the professional press. If you believe in the First Amendment, help us turn these stories into law.👉 Learn more at New Voices Texas👉 Legal resources from SPLC 👉 Advocate with SEATFollow us on social media for updates on the New Voices bill!
  1. Press Under Pressure: Fighting for Student Rights in Texas
  2. Beyond the Byline — New Voices Texas in 2026
  3. Introducing to Amplify a New Voices of Texas podcast
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New Officers, More Power

NVT’s leadership team plans new outreach, podcast and merch to boost student press freedom before next session

By Faye Zayed

A record of 17 officers and specialists. Six returning and 11 new. This is the largest number of student journalists across the state that New Voices Texas (NVT) has had before. With the growth, NVT is determined to increase outreach and build connections with state lawmakers to prepare for the legislative session in 2027. 

NVT is a non-profit, student-led organization that focuses on protecting student journalists and advisers by passing the New Voices Bill. The bill will prevent the censorship, prior review and or prior restraint of student media.  

“This year’s team is larger than ever before which means that we can hopefully accomplish more in terms of our advocacy and connecting with legislators,” Co-Education Officer Katie Grumet said. “I’m extremely hopeful with this new team, we have a lot of eager and excited new members that have lots of ideas and are ready to take action.”

Unlike other years, NVT aims to start a podcast with hosts Sydney Ortiz, Communications and  Legislative specialist, and Grumet. They plan to interview advisers, student journalists and state representatives to hear their perspective and thoughts about student press rights. 

“Podcasting is a great tool for advocacy because I have seen the impact it has had on the world in such a short time period,” Ortiz said. “In the last decade podcast views have skyrocketed and it is a convenient way for people to gain information. They can listen anywhere at any time, which allows us to share our goals and information to a much wider audience.”

Along with a podcast, the officers and specialists have agreed to start designing new merchandise, adding tote bags and stickers into their collection. The leadership team anticipates getting the designs and merch printed before Fall Fiesta TAJE, which is a state wide journalism conference. 

“Having merchandise that displays NVT’s message is incredibly important because when we have eye-catching apparel, people are bound to take notice,” Communications Specialist Ava Weaver said. “Because humans are curious, hopefully it will spark interest in our cause for the people that see our merch.”

For social media, this year will be heavy on bringing awareness to NVT and expanding outreach. They plan on increasing educational posts and videos showcasing how the New Voices bill works and why it is important. Furthermore, they intend to start an adviser spotlight, where students can submit their adviser to be featured on the NVT Instagram. 

“I enjoy helping brainstorm different ways for us to get our organization out there,” Grumet said. “NVT challenges me to be creative in the way that advocates and challenges me to think about how to get people passionate about student press rights.”

Before the school year, the regional organizers will send out emails to advisers to increase awareness about NVT. When school starts, the leadership team aspires to meet every two weeks.

“I remember that last year it took a few decent four to five months for us to really open up and connect,” state organizing officer Poojasai Kona said. “But from the get-go this year I feel connected to all my officers. I feel I can rely on them for anything and they can rely on me. We have each other’s backs, and we support each other.”

Last year, NVT had a Lobby Day on March 17, where officers and volunteers, Michael Reeves, Ava Weaver, Erick Garcia, Faye Zayed, Charlotte Schwarte, Elizabeth Yowell and David Doerr came together to speak to legislative offices to gain support for their HB (4821).

“It was an opportunity of a lifetime to go to the capitol and lobby for this bill,” Garcia said. “Speaking to the legislative offices was a new point of contact that I’ve ever done before. Speaking with State Rep. Diego Bernal was a whole different world. He was able to connect us journalists with how we are superheroes and how we use our skills for good.” 

The bill was first sponsored by State Rep. Gina Hinojosa and after Lobby Day, State Rep. Diego Bernal expressed interest in becoming a co-sponsor. Ultimately, the bill wasn’t scheduled to the public education committee, ending its chances of passing.  

“Speaking to legislators was a very empowering experience because everyone that I spoke to admired what I was doing, which gave me confidence not only in my advocacy abilities but in speaking to [others] in power,” Grumet said. “Legislators typically respond really well to seeing people, especially students, showing up at the Capitol advocating for their cause.”

For student journalists in Texas interested in learning more, they can connect with NVT through their instagram, @newvoicestx. 

“Student press rights matter because they protect our ability to report the truth and represent student voices without censorship,” Garcia said. “They teach us how real journalism works, how to ask hard questions and think critically.”

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Apply by May 31 to be a NVT Leader

Join us on Zoom to learn about being a New Voices Texas leader

We will host a Zoom meeting on Sunday, May 18 at 8 p.m. for any student who wants to learn more about what it means to serve as an officer and how you can become a leader in the New Voices movement in Texas.

Please use the Zoom info below to join the meeting:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/89608953380?pwd=MGRFWnc2elJPYk5ESEh1RlYxVGNtdz09

Meeting ID: 896 0895 3380
Passcode: x3bVab

Outgoing student NVT officers and David Doerr, NVT’s faculty adviser, will be on the Zoom call to answer questions.

It’s time to pass the leadership torch to new officers for New Voices Texas while many of our current officers will soon graduate.

We have set May 31 as the deadline for students to apply to become an officer with our student-led advocacy organization.

We will need to fill multiple leadership positions for the coming 2025-2026 school year, which will include a legislative session in which we intend to make a major push to have a New Voices law padded in Texas. We are in particular need of Regional Officers from each corner of the state so there will be lots of opportunities to get involved this year.

And we are open to additional students serving as “Specialists” for things like regional organizing, social media, and all-around promotion. Most of the leadership positions will be dedicated to high school journalists, but we will expand this year’s leadership team to include a college journalist outreach specialist, as well. 

New Voices Texas Officers Application

Please apply to become a New Voices Texas officer for the 2025-2026 school year.

New Voices Officer positions include:

  • Legislative Officer
  • Communications Officer
  • Regional Organizer (four positions to represent West, East, North and South/Central Texas)
  • Educational Officer
  • Club Development Officer

If you know you are interested in becoming an officer, please use this form to apply today!

Click here to apply to be a NVT officer

Volunteer Interest Form

If you are unsure about your ability to serve as an officer but are interested in getting involved with advocating for New Voices Texas, please fill out our Interest Form linked below:

Click here to be a nvt volunteer

May 28 is deadline to apply for SPLC’s virtual Summer New Voices Student Leaders Institute

There is also a great opportunity to be a part of the Student Press Law Center’s national New Voices Student Leaders Institute this summer. If you know a high school student interested in leading the fight to restore and protect student press freedom in your state, encourage them to apply today!

Applicants are accepted from all states for this free program, which runs Tuesday-Thursday afternoons July 15-24. Click here for more information on the New Voices Student Leaders Institute.

The application closes at midnight ET May 28. We’re looking forward to meeting our next cohort of New Voices Student Leaders!

Participants in the all-online program will be joined by Student Press Law Center staff, New Voices leaders, and special guests to learn their unique capacity as organizers, deepen their understanding of civics, lobbying and press freedom, and expand their ability to act as advocates. By the end of the Institute, Student Leaders will identify the pressing needs in their state and local communities and the unique ways in which students can respond, as well as possess the tools necessary to combat these challenges. 

Participation in the Institute is free, but students will commit to serving as student leaders in the New Voices movement during the 2025-2026 advocacy year. For more information about the summer institute, visit the SPLC website.

Click here to Apply for splc new voices summer institute