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Ai Weiwei: Why Do the Powerful Fear Poets?
Globally lauded artist and activist Ai Weiwei accepts PEN America’s Artistic Expression Award at their 2018 LitFest Gala. More
Removal of Art Exhibit at Mary Baldwin Represents a Failure to Stand Up for Free Expression
“Mary Baldwin's decision to host a listening session with students is the right idea; but they could have done so while also staunchly defending the artists' rights and the… More
DARE: Doctors Express Outrage after NRA Tells Them ‘to Stay in Their Lane’
More than 23,000 doctors and medical professionals sign an open letter to the National Rifle Association after the NRA tells their colleagues who express... More
The Three Escapes of Hannah Arendt
In this week’s Illustrated PEN, Public Programs Manager Lily Philpott presents an excerpt from The Three Escapes of Hannah Arendt by Ken Krimstein. More
Barry Jenkins: “Thank You So Damn Much For Writing the Things You Write”
Barry Jenkins thanks writers for inspiring his work while accepting PEN America's Award for Screenplay Excellence at the 2018 LitFest Gala. More
DARE: Expert Says Acosta Video Distributed by White House Was Doctored
Forensic examinations of video distributed by the White House to justify denying CNN reporter Jim Acosta press access indicate it was doctored footage... More
L.A. City Council Resolution Calling for Cancellation of UCLA Conference Risks Infringing on Free Speech
“This means the officials involved are either uninformed about the protections afforded by the First Amendment, or they have simply chosen to ignore them. While there may be legitimate… More
DARE: White House Suspends Press Access for CNN’s Jim Acosta
White House revokes press credentials from CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after a testy exchange in which the president called the reporter rude and a White.. More
White House’s Withdrawal of Jim Acosta’s Press Credentials Further Evidence of Reprisals that Violate the First Amendment
"In late October PEN America filed suit against President Donald Trump arguing that his threats and use of the machinery of government to exact reprisals against journalists and media… More
Blind Faith
For this week’s Illustrated PEN Guest Editor Robert Kirby presents "Blind Faith," an original piece by artist November Garcia. More