(NEW YORK)– PEN America is appalled that Weber State University continues to overcomply with a 2024 Utah state law by banning a list of words and concepts, leading author Darcie Little Badger to cancel her planned speaking appearance at the school’s Annual Native Symposium.
“This is blatant censorship, and a tremendous loss to both the author and the community. A university must uphold freedom of speech and cannot maintain a list of forbidden words and concepts,” said Kristen Shahverdian, PEN America’s program director for Campus Free Speech. “This illustrates the harm done when lawmakers attempt to restrict certain viewpoints from discussion. Weber State’s overreach deprives students of the chance to learn from diverse perspectives. Overbroad and sloppily written laws cause confusion that practically ensures that this type of censorship will continue to occur.”
Little Badger withdrew after she received a list of “prohibited words and concepts” for visiting speakers. These words come from HB 261, a Utah state law enacted in 2024; however that prohibition states that the university itself cannot take a position on the topics in the list, and should not apply to outside speakers. The list includes words and ideas such as “bias,” “oppression,” and “racial privilege” to which Little Badger said, according to news reports, “‘How are we supposed to talk about the reality of being Native without talking about these words?’”
This marks the second time this semester Weber State has invoked the law to censor invited speakers. PEN America has previously written about the impact of Utah HB 261 when Weber State University cancelled a conference on censorship.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Malka Margolies, [email protected], 718-530-3582