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Even in Times of War, Art Must Not be Canceled
Amid rising antisemitism and anti-Muslim bigotry around the world, artists are facing intensified scrutiny for expressing their opinions, including on social media. In response, galleries and art institutions in… More
A Year of Books By PEN America Members
We're so proud of our members, who have published 40+ works in 2023, most of which are available to purchase on Bookshop. More
PEN America Expands Support to Children’s Books Authors, with Rising Book Bans
“The banning of books is continuing to take a toll on authors, students, and families,” said Kasey Meehan, program director, Freedom to Read at PEN America. “It’s vital that… More
101-Year-Old Grace Linn: ‘Banning Books and Burning Books Are the Same’
Others protesting book bans have held up signs in protest. Grace Linn held up a quilt. The 101-year-old talked to PEN America about the importance of spreading the word… More
Global Art House Film Community Rallies in Support of Acclaimed Iran Directors Behtash Sanaeeha and Maryam Moghadam
In the wake of Narges Mohammadi’s Nobel Peace Prize recognition, the persecution of Iranian artists and writers persists unabated More
Open Letter: Iranian Directors Behtash Sanaeeha & Maryam Moghadam Banned From Travel
We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately drop all charges against directors Behtash Sanaeeha and Maryam Moghadam and to lift their current travel ban. More
Bullying on DEI by WI Legislature Threatens Academic Freedom and Free Expression
Jeremy C. Young, Freedom to Learn program director at PEN America, said: “What happened in the Wisconsin system is partisan bullying at its worst. Strong-arming university regents into following… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of December 11
PEN America works tirelessly to defend free expression, support persecuted writers, and promote literary culture. Here are some of the latest ways PEN America is speaking out. More
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley Hosts PEN America and Others for Roundtable on Book Bans
Pressley introduced the Books Save Lives Act, which PEN America welcomes in its efforts to increase access to diverse books and document the negative impact that book banning has… More
PEN America Responds to Rutgers University Decision to Suspend Pro-Palestinian Student Group
“There must be a high bar for suspending student groups for political activity, and without full transparency detailing what specific speech or conduct crossed the line, the students are… More