AMHERST — A team of Amherst Regional High School students that published reports on alleged transphobia and anti-LGTBQ activity at the middle school last spring is being recognized by a national organization that promotes the First Amendment and press freedom.

The Student Press Law Center in Washington, D.C. recently named The Graphic, the high school newspaper, lead reporter Talvin Dhingra and adviser Sara Barber-Just as a finalist for the 2023 Student Freedom of Information Award for outstanding public records reporting.

While the top prize at the Nov. 4 Fall National High School Journalism Convention went to a student at Milpitas High School in California for an article about harassment and staff members who had inappropriately touched female students, the Amherst publication was one of two runners-up.

A news release cites the accomplishment of the Amherst students: “Numerous sources shared detailed allegations with The Graphic that three school counselors routinely misgendered trans students and failed to support them or to address growing transphobic bullying at the middle school. The team’s story also revealed that a previously undisclosed Title IX investigation was underway.”

Since the stories were published, three middle school staff members were placed on leave, along with assistant superintendent Doreen Cunningham, while former superintendent Michael Morris took a medical leave and resigned at the end of August.

Gary Green, executive director of the Student Press Law Center, said the winner and finalists show how high school student journalists are tackling complex issues in their communities.

“From allegations of teacher misconduct to dysfunctional government agencies and unsafe school environments, these student journalists are providing a public service to their communities by investigating and holding officials accountable,” Green said.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.