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New Book Examines Why Reading Matters in America’s Prisons and How Ordinary Citizens Can Make a Difference
The book is a collection of inspiring stories from the prison book movement and a guide for people who want to swell its ranks. More
PEN America Helps Win Victories Against Censorship in Florida’s 2024 Legislative Session
PEN America had a direct hand in making sure several Florida “culture war” bills failed without becoming law, keeping censorship from infringing on free speech and free expression. More
PEN America: U.S. Ban on TikTok Takes a “Sledgehammer” Approach to the Challenge of Security and Safety Concerns Online
“Banning TikTok establishes an alarming precedent for addressing legitimate privacy and security risks posed by social media platforms,” said Laura Schroeder, Congressional Affairs lead. “The House has taken a… More
PEN America Statement on the Retraction of an Essay in Guernica Magazine
(NEW YORK) - In response to news that Guernica magazine retracted a personal essay by a writer living in Israel, Summer Lopez, PEN America's chief program officer of Free… More
Settlement Allows Teachers to Discuss Sexual Orientation in Florida Classrooms
“This is a step in the right direction, but the fight against this dangerous law continues-- learning about diverse families should not be off-limits in Florida schools,” said Katie… More
Censorship Proposals Largely Fail in the Florida Legislature
“Floridians fought hard for these victories. This is the product of parents, students, teachers, grassroots organizations, and legislators deciding that Florida has had enough state censorship." More
Suspension of Texas Tech Professor Raises Questions About Due Process and Academic Freedom
Should a professor’s comments outside the classroom lead to his suspension and investigation as a faculty member? More
PEN America Warns of Likely Legal Challenges to Bill Putting Restrictions on Social Media Use by Young People
Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida, said: “Governor DeSantis has voiced concerns about this measure in the past, vetoing the first version of this bill, HB1. The changes… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of March 4
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: Passage of Teacher Training Bill by Florida Senate is a Giant Leap in the Wrong Direction
Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida, said: “HB 1291 is nothing but an educational gag order that muzzles professors on ideas and concepts at both public and private… More