Police Shouldn't Pick the Press: Protecting Access to Journalists at Protests

An op-ed arguing that New Jersey police overstepped by trying to bar or verify journalists covering the Delaney Hall protests and hunger strike, raising questions about who counts as press. The piece advocates using indicia of journalism (ID, assignment letters, distinctive gear, professional equipment) rather than official credentials, noting incidents of arrests and pepper spray aimed at reporters and arguing that press rights exist to inform the public and should not depend on police discretion. It also highlights the growing role of independent livestreamers in covering protests and cautions against police deciding who is allowed to document public events.