In order to raise money and promote free speech and journalism, Bear Facts is partaking in Scholastic Journalism Week this February 24-28. This is an event that raises money by offering activities during all lunch periods, in the cafeteria. The money raised will go to the Student Press Law Center (SPLC). 

“The whole purpose of it is to just spread the word about how important it is to have freedom and freedom of speech. Another big part of it is raising that money, that we can actually donate to the Student Press Law Center, which actively sticks up for those teams across the country.” Max Feldman, junior Bear Facts business manager and spotlight editor said. 

Every year, Scholastic Journalism Week has a theme. This year’s theme is a big question, and “a lot of teachers really like the whole idea,” Feldman said. With the help of students and teachers, the school will be able to raise money for the SPLC in order to encourage journalism in other schools.

“I think that free speech is something a lot of people take for granted. A lot of other countries don’t have the opportunity to say what they want and publish what they want, you know, freedom,” Parul Pari, senior and Bear Facts magazine editor-in-chief said. 

In order to involve students and teachers, Bear Facts members will be offering activities, such as the return of the penny war, candy sales, and raffle baskets. Everyone is encouraged to participate, to benefit LZ and raise awareness. 

“Not only does it help us out, but students can kind of recognize that they are really lucky as a lot of other schools are restricted, and I think that’s really important for the school to recognize that, and just make that more fun.” Annette Suk, junior and event coordinator for Bear Facts said.

Since many schools do not permit students to publish what they want, Scholastic Journalism Week helps to “promote free speech, showing how proud we are to have our voice,” Suk said.

So this week, if you have spare change on you or a desire to make sure your right to free speech stays yours, make sure to drop by Bear Facts’ table at lunch to find out how you can help out.