The Citizen received the 2023 Student Freedom of Information Award from the Student Press Law Center on Oct. 30, during the Fall 2023 National College Media Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

The award recognizes student journalists and student-run publications for effectively using public records requests to inform investigative journalism in their communities. The Citizen was recognized for utilizing public records requests to report on a variety of Peralta Community College District (PCCD) stories, including safety on campus and possible misuse of public funds.

The Citizen also successfully sued PCCD under the California Public Records Act this year for its failure to provide information concerning vendor contracts, district employees’ credit card records, and internal emails. 

At the convention, current Editor in Chief Li Khan, former Editor in Chief Shiloh Johnston, Managing Editor Randi Cross, and faculty advisor Eleni Gastis accepted the award on behalf of The Citizen. 

“I think we should be proud to be student journalists,” Khan said during her acceptance speech to the Atlanta convention-goers. “We’re in a very unique position in this country, where oftentimes we’re the only ones really digging into our public institutions, and keeping public information public.”

In a statement provided to the Student Press Law Center, Johnston said, “as a news publication, we understand that transparency is paramount for a functioning society, and for keeping those in power accountable to the people they represent.” 

Johnston added that he is grateful for having been part of a great team at The Citizen.

The three finalists for the award were The Southwestern College Sun in Chula Vista, California, The Lantern at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and Ball State University’s Daily News in Muncie, Indiana.