Reporting at the Border: A Legal Training for Journalists

Join PEN America for a legal training designed for journalists who want to learn more about their First Amendment and privacy rights. As part of our national “Points of Entry” campaign working to defend press freedom at the border, this legal training will provide reporters with an understanding of key legal rights they have, especially with respect to issues that arise while reporting along the US-Mexico border. Topics will include First Amendment issues, privacy considerations for reporters subject to screenings, and other legal issues when dealing with law enforcement. 

Training conducted by Nora Benavidez, Director of U.S. Free Expression Programs. 

Thank you to our co-sponsors: KPBS, the San Diego Union-Tribune, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists San Diego-Tijuana Chapter, and the San Diego Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Nora Benavidez is the director of U.S. Free Expression Programs, where she guides PEN America’s national advocacy agenda on First Amendment and free expression issues. Benavidez is a lawyer by training and, prior to joining PEN America, she worked in private practice as a civil and human rights litigator in Atlanta, Georgia. She has represented victims of unconstitutional police practices, First Amendment infringements, discrimination in public schools, and voting rights violations. In addition to her work as a litigator, Benavidez partnered with regional grassroots organizations and state and local legislative entities, advising and testifying on community-centered reforms in public safety, government transparency, criminal justice, and free speech.