2023 News (Large Newsroom) Finalists
Howard Blume, Mackenzie Mays, Kevin Rector, Laurel Rosenhall, Priscella Vega & Hannah Wiley
Los Angeles Times
Deep Blue California Confronts Red State Education Issues
- How conservatives are waging a coordinated, anti-LGBTQ+ culture war in California schools
- Righteous mother or right-wing zealot? The soccer mom leading California’s parental rights movement
- Lacking political power in California, conservatives turn focus to local school boards
Comments From the Judges:
“Powerful, clear and uncompromisingly focused on informing readers. Creative reporting strategies, including video, with transparency about methods and where information originated. Vivid language and compelling choices of angles and lines of reporting that capture the sweep of events and clash of political forces in California.”
“The series of articles about how conservatives have decided to focus on school boards in a blue state like California hits all the marks. In-depth reporting, interviews with everyone possibly involved, clear writing. Excellent coverage.”
Cheyanne Mumphrey & Juan Lozano
The Associated Press
A Black Student Was Suspended for His Hairstyle. The School Says It Wasn’t Discrimination
- A Black student was suspended for his hairstyle. The school says it wasn’t discrimination
- A Black student was suspended for his hairstyle. Now his family is suing Texas officials
- Black student disciplined over hairstyle hopes to ‘start being a kid again’
Comments From the Judges:
“Impressive example of staying on what quickly became a national story and as a result getting access to the people involved on a continuing basis. Stories told clearly and included both sides.”
“Elevated important issues related to culture, identity and race — about so much more than hair. Solid series of news stories, well-reported, thorough. Great context in [the] first story about the cultural importance of dreadlocks.”
Marcela Rodrigues & Philip Jankowski
The Dallas Morning News
DEI Dilemma: Inside Texas’ Fight to Ban Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education
- How Texas’ DEI ban is tripping up efforts to help undocumented students
- Texas scientists fear DEI bill could cost research dollars
- Could Texas Senate’s bill to thwart DEI hurt sports recruiting at Texas, A&M, others?
Comments From the Judges:
“Extraordinary package of articles that uncovered important, unreported angles of the Texas ban on DEI offices and the potential ramifications. Clearly written, thoroughly reported, and fully contextualized coverage that anticipated news developments that would unfold over the coming months. Bravo.”
“These stories were a good reminder that on the ground – away from the political posturing – these programs do some good. They highlighted unintended consequences and also shed light on very real damage that can occur in people’s lives.”
