(NEW YORK) — Today, PEN America sent a petition signed by 1036 signatories urging the Texas A&M Board of Regents to protect academic freedom and rescind policy changes that have led to the censorship of course content, including readings from Plato in a philosophy class, as well as the cancellation of classes.
The more than 1000 signatories include people from 48 states and the District of Columbia and 487 signatories from Texas. This petition follows a similar letter, signed by over 35 organizational partners, which PEN America sent to the Board of Regents earlier this year, and testimony submitted by PEN America in late 2025, warning against passing the censorial policies that have marked Texas A&M as the “epicenter of higher education censorship.”
“Censorship is unpopular, plain and simple,” said PEN America’s Freedom to Learn Program Director, Amy Reid. “Students, faculty, and community members all over the country know that education cannot coexist with stifled conversations and subdued classrooms, which is unfortunately what these policies are imposing at Texas A&M. We once again urge the Texas A&M Board of Regents to defend their student’s freedom to learn.”
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