Oakland Police Bar Student Journalist from Press Conference on Shooting

A student journalist from Laney College was barred from covering a police press conference on November 14, 2023, concerning the tragic death of beloved coach John Beam, who was fatally shot on campus the previous day. Nelzy Gonzalez-Zaragoza, an associate editor for the Peralta Citizen, arrived prepared to report on the incident but was denied entry by the Oakland Police Department (OPD) due to her lack of an OPD-issued press credential.

This incident has sparked significant backlash among journalists and media advocates. The press credential requirement has been a controversial topic since its enforcement three years ago, raising concerns about press access and independence. Gonzalez-Zaragoza’s removal came amidst a high-profile case that resonated within the community, highlighting issues of transparency and the role of the press in informing the public.

Concerns Over Press Access and Independence

In a letter addressed to police officials and Mayor Barbara Lee, First Amendment advocates expressed their discontent, stating that the OPD’s policy “interferes with the ability of the press to keep the public informed.” They argued that such restrictions threaten press independence and limit the diversity of news sources available to the community.

Gonzalez-Zaragoza voiced her frustration, remarking, “This is a high-profile case, but I felt comfortable going in there … it’s not fair that any reporter was kicked out.” Her experience was echoed by journalists from other outlets, including The Oaklandside and the San Francisco Chronicle, who also faced entry barriers during the press conference.

The letter from the First Amendment Coalition, the Pacific Workers Media Guild, and the Society of Professional Journalists of Northern California underscored that there were no legitimate security threats or limitations that warranted the exclusion of journalists. They called for an immediate end to the policy, which contrasts sharply with media practices at other local government institutions, where no such credentialing requirement exists.

Police Department’s Stance on Credentialing

In response to the outcry, Assistant Chief James Beere of the OPD defended the policy as a necessary security measure, stating, “Knowing the identity of journalists accessing non-public areas within the Police Administration Building is vital for everyone’s safety.” He emphasized that the policy aims to ensure the safety of both law enforcement personnel and the public, particularly in light of national and local incidents involving threats to public figures.

Despite the police department’s assertions, media representatives remain unconvinced. Ginny LaRoe, a spokesperson for the First Amendment Coalition, expressed disappointment with the OPD’s response and urged the department to reconsider its stance. The letter points out that media members with company-issued credentials had previously accessed press briefings without issue until a blanket policy was introduced in December 2022.

The credentialing process itself has raised eyebrows, as it requires journalists to provide personal information, including physical characteristics and home addresses, and warns that credentials could be revoked for various offenses. This level of scrutiny has led to further criticism regarding the implications for press freedom.

As the fallout from this incident continues, the larger community grapples with the implications of press access in reporting on significant local events. The tragic shooting of John Beam, an icon in the community and featured in Netflix’s “Last Chance U,” has left a profound impact on students and residents alike.

The Peralta Citizen staff, including Gonzalez-Zaragoza and her fellow reporters, were determined to cover the story comprehensively, given their deep connections to the college. They had quickly mobilized to report on the incident, despite challenges posed by the campus lockdown following the shooting.

The incident raises essential questions about the boundaries of press freedom and the role of police departments in regulating media access. As the community mourns the loss of John Beam, the ongoing debate about press rights and responsibilities continues to unfold, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in public affairs.