Student Safety

As a regular part of your course requirements, you will be asked to venture into unfamiliar parts of the city and to cover incidents or events that may unexpectedly erupt into uncomfortable or dangerous situations. While instructors will never knowingly put students at risk, occasionally situations may become unsafe.

If you feel you have been asked or are required to cover an event or story that makes you uncomfortable or nervous about your safety, discuss the assignment with your instructor or with Office of Student Affairs. If you find yourself in a situation in which you fear for your safety, get out. There will be other stories.

While journalists have a right to cover stories, police departments do not always recognize this. Lately, there have been increasing confrontations between reporters and officers who want to prevent legitimate coverage. If you are threatened by law enforcement, calmly and politely display your press pass and explain your presence. If you are ordered by legitimate law enforcement personnel to leave or move, do so. You will not get your story from a lockup.

If you are arrested or detained while covering a story, call your instructor, and/or Anthony LaViscount (646- 758-7853).