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Prohibition of LGBTQ+ Books by Alabama Library Makes a “Mockery” of Free Expression
“The Autauga-Prattville Public Library’s newly appointed board is making a mockery of freedom of expression,” said Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America. “We are alarmed… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of February 12
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
PEN America Strongly Denounces Imprisonment of Sepideh Rashno
PEN America strongly denounces the sentencing of Sepideh Rashno, a young Iranian writer, poet, and vocal critic of the country’s mandatory hijab law. More
New ‘diversity’ bills in Kentucky and Indiana miss the mark
Lawmakers across the country are focusing on diversity in higher education, both in the form of “intellectual diversity” on campus and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. More
PEN America Response to Free Speech Bill Pending in Israeli Knesset
Israeli lawmakers must step back from broadening an already concerning campaign against free expression in Israel. More
Statement on the Death of Alexei Navalny
"PEN America mourns the cruel death of Alexei Navalny who embodied the spirit of a free Russia with a spine of steel, unremitting determination and a spirit of derring… More
The “Swirl of Ideas” that Propels Author Jennifer Egan As She Puts Pen to Paper (Literally)
An occasional blog about the writing process and how writers approach their work. By Suzanne Trimel “Writing improv” is the way author Jennifer Egan describes how she starts a novel. Egan says:… More
PEN America Report to UN Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry in Ukraine
PEN America submitted a report detailing Russia’s extensive attacks on Ukrainian cultural infrastructure. More
The Discriminatory Impact Of Book Bans And Educational Gag Orders On LGBTQ+ Expression
Threats to free expression in education have a discriminatory impact on LGBTQ speech and topics, PEN America and PEN International show in a joint submission to the United Nations. More
Chinese Woman’s Rights Activist Li Qiaochu Convicted of Inciting Subversion
PEN America condemns the unjust conviction and sentencing of Chinese labor and women’s rights activist Li Qiaochu. Li, who is the partner of imprisoned activist, essayist, and PEN/Barbey Freedom… More