ASJA Stands With Journalists Covering Protests
June 20, 2025
CONTACT: ASJA staff, asjaoffice@asja.org
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (June 20, 2025) The American Society of Journalists and Authors (AJSA) recognizes that its members are among the strongest celebrants of the First Amendment in the United States.
Today, ASJA stands in solidarity with journalists everywhere covering the protests that are unfolding in cities around the U.S. Free speech and a free press are paramount to this issue: allowing the media to keep the public informed.
Recent video clips show law enforcement aiming non-lethal bullets directly at broadcast reporters in Los Angeles. Since protests began there on June 7, police projectiles have injured more than 20 journalists, according to both the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders.
ASJA urges authorities to recognize the constitutional right of all journalists working in the U.S. to have the freedom to do their jobs without the fear of governmental intimidation, reprisal, or personal harm. The use of force against individual members of the media is unlawful in U.S. democracy. We urge those who have evidence of such coercion to report it to local authorities and to obtain legal assistance when necessary. Journalists can report coercion to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press legal hotline.
ASJA stands in support of all journalists who are tasked with providing accurate and fair coverage of these unfolding events. We want journalists, including freelance journalists, to know those rights and to exercise those rights. For more information, read the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press outline of Press Rights at Protests..
ASJA Encourages Freelancers to Continue Reporting on Free Speech Issues But Take Necessary Precautions
ASJA encourages its members to continue to write about and report on issues of free speech and other freedoms recognized by the First Amendment. We stress an urgent need to support due process of law as guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. Freelancers can use the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker violation database to follow challenges occurring daily during this political climate.
As the U.S. executive branch continues to mobilize various forces, including the National Guard and the U.S. Marines, we urge journalists, including freelance journalists, to exercise caution and stay safe. Journalists should continue to speak, report, and write about First Amendment concerns, while being aware of their surroundings. Be cautious in any situation that involves conflict with law enforcement or the military.
This year, ASJA has partnered with many other media organizations and associations that share our devotion to protecting the First Amendment and other Constitutional freedoms. We will continue to seek out and honor partnerships with other journalistic organizations whose goals and concerns align with our own.
Finally, ASJA expresses appreciation to all journalists for their ongoing commitment to inform their communities about their precious constitutional rights.
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About ASJA
The American Society of Journalists and Authors is the nation’s premier organization of professional freelance nonfiction writers. ASJA members write books, journalism and content marketing and have met ASJA’s objective standards of professional achievement by publishing with national magazines, publishers and clients. As First Amendment and right-to-freelance advocates, ASJA stands up for writers’ rights and offers extensive networking and educational opportunities that benefit members and the freelance writing profession as a whole. ASJA believes in diversity and inclusion and actively works to attract members from all backgrounds and experience levels while continuing to emphasize excellence in nonfiction writing. Learn more at www.asja.org.