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A bronze statue of President Donald Trump in South Dakota (Adobe Stock \/ PhotoSpirit)<\/p>\nA bronze statue of President Donald Trump in South Dakota (Adobe Stock \/ PhotoSpirit)<\/p>\n
Donald Trump\u2019s restrictions on White House press access have sparked a legal battle and raised concerns among Florida A&M University journalism faculty and students about press freedom and the future of the profession.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not really about them physically being in the building as much as it\u2019s about allowing them to report on what\u2019s going on,\u201d said Leah Hunter, a FAMU journalism professor.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Trump barred CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House on Sept. 18, accusing the organizations of spreading misinformation and threatening national security. The media outlets\u00a0filed a lawsuit alleging that the restrictions violated their constitutional rights.\u00a0<\/p>\n
U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly ordered the administration to temporarily restore the outlets\u2019 press credentials Sept. 24, finding that they were likely to succeed on their Fifth Amendment due process claim.\u00a0<\/p>\n
During an Oct. 8 hearing, attorneys for the organizations sought a preliminary injunction that would preserve their access while the lawsuit continues. Kelly is expected to rule by Tuesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Trump administration has defended the restrictions, arguing that White House access is a privilege and that the organizations\u2019 reporting raised national security concerns. Attorneys for the outlets contend that the restrictions amount to retaliation for coverage critical of Trump.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hunter said journalists have a responsibility to serve as government watchdogs and provide accurate information to the public.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe journalist\u2019s job is to serve as the fourth estate,\u201d Hunter said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
William Jiles, a FAMU journalism professor and\u00a0director of the Division of Journalism, said restrictions targeting individual news organizations should concern the entire profession.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery news organization ought to be concerned because if he can do this with just a few, he can do this with whomever he wishes,\u201d Jiles said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He explained how the controversy could discourage journalists from asking difficult questions or reporting information that government officials may consider unfavorable.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we\u2019re not careful, Trump\u2019s actions might have a chilling effect on all journalists,\u201d Jiles said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Several news organizations have expressed solidarity with the three outlets, including Fox News and other media organizations that supported their legal challenge.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jiles said cooperation among journalists is necessary to protect press freedom.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI am heartened by it because these journalists realize that if they don\u2019t stand in solidarity with their fellow journalists who are being targeted, then they may be targeted soon,\u201d Jiles said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For FAMU journalism student Erica James, who plans to pursue broadcast journalism, the dispute raises concerns about the profession she will enter after graduation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
James said restrictions on established news organizations could affect future journalists and their ability to report on government officials.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She also emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed about government decisions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cKeeping people informed is even more crucial now than ever because there\u2019s so much going on amongst the different branches of government,\u201d James said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hunter said journalists must continue following professional ethical standards regardless of the challenges they may encounter.\u00a0<\/p>\n