Jonathan Friedman, Ph.D., is the Sy Syms managing director of U.S. free expression programs at PEN America. In this role, he spearheads the organization’s work in the U.S. to safeguard freedom of expression, particularly the unhampered transmission of literature, art, and ideas. This includes overseeing national advocacy for the freedom to write, read, and learn; research and public commentary; partnerships with educational and cultural associations and institutions; and efforts to foster a culture of free expression in society writ large.
Friedman joined PEN America in 2018 as the inaugural director of its Campus Free Speech Program, leading the development of free expression workshops for college administrators, faculty, and students. He directed the expansion of PEN America’s advocacy against school book bans, educational gag orders, and government censorship of higher education, and also oversaw the organization’s centenary series, Flashpoints: Free Speech in American History, Culture & Society, and, from 2021-2024, its Free Expression Advocacy institutes for youth.
Friedman has authored numerous reports for PEN America, and regularly provides commentary to news media pertaining to a range of issues including academic freedom, artistic freedom, and press freedom. He was a 2019-2020 fellow of the University of California’s National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. He has facilitated dozens of workshops, advisory meetings, and public events about free expression issues across the education, library, and arts and culture sectors.
An interdisciplinary scholar by training, Friedman holds an MA and Ph.D. in international education from NYU.
