On March 16, University of Missouri student and freelance photojournalist Tim Tai is set to be awarded the First Amendment Defender Award by the Radio Television Digital News Foundation. The foundation is an educational group that supports journalists' first amendment rights and the public's rights to free media. While the foundation recognizes outstanding journalism annually, this is the first time that the award wil actually be presented.

The award comes after President Tim Wolfe's resignation from the University of Missouri on November 6. Tai was working as a photographer for ESPN documenting the reaction of those on campus. While photographing at Mel Carnahan Quadrangle, Tai was met by a large group of students, faculty, and staff who demanded that members of the news and media gave the protestors space. Members of the group raised their hands to block the media and try and stop any photography, however Tai continued to photograph and explained to the protestors that they were all allowed to be there because of their first amendment rights. His efforts were seen in the viral video above that as of today, has over 2.7 million views.

Tai learned that he was selected for the award and said he was honored to receive it and to have the support of the foundation, however he added that he was surprised. “I was just doing my job,” Tai said. “I was a little surprised that they thought I deserved the award.”

Along with Tai, several other individuals are being are being awarded, including Jason Rezaian of the Washington Post, Cami McCormick of CBS News, Robert Garcia of National Public Radio, Richard Boehne of E.W. Scripps Company, and Tom Brokaw of NBC News.

What do you think? If you haven't seen the viral video that shows Tai's interaction with the group, you can view it above. Do you think Tai handled the situation in the best possible manner? Let us know your thoughts on the first amendment and photojournalism in the comment section.

[via The Missourian]