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New PEN America Report Warns Against Canceling Books Due to Outrage
In the report, PEN America cautions publishers against giving in to newly-drawn lines that restrict the space for the writer’s prerogative to imagine and create literature: “It is imperative… More
PEN America Mourns the Death of Bloomsbury USA President Adrienne Vaughan
"Adrienne Vaughan lent her extraordinary talent, passion and persistence to the cause of free expression and the freedom to read. Beyond her impressive publishing talents working with writers, she… More
New Arrest of Journalist in Yemen Renews Fears from Ongoing Threats Against Free Expression
"Authorities in Taiz should release Jameel al-Samat at once, and all relevant authorities in Yemen must stop attacks and detentions of those who peacefully express themselves.” More
PEN America Condemns Added One Year Prison Sentence Imposed Unjustly on Iranian Human Rights Defender Narges Mohammadi
“The new charges against Narges Mohammadi fly in the face of freedom of expression, and are a cynical tactic aimed at silencing her brave and fearless voice from speaking… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of July 31
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
Booklash: Literary Freedom, Online Outrage, and Language of Harm
We need to engage in free debate about books without denying readers the opportunity to read these books and come to their own conclusions. More
PEN America: “Appalling” and “Dangerous” Move by Florida to Cut AP Psychology Course
Freedom to Read Program Director Kasey Meehan said: “It is appalling but not surprising that Florida would attempt to gut a critical curriculum just weeks before school begins. This… More
These Books Are Banned in Urbandale, Iowa School District
PEN America sent an open letter to the Urbandale, Iowa school district to reverse an order to remove a list of nearly 400 titles. Here are some of the… More
Hundreds of Books Targeted for Removal in Iowa School District Over New ‘Age Appropriate” Law
“Our letter to Urbandale Community School District signals to district leaders and others across the state that ‘broad interpretations’ of vague laws threaten the freedom to read for students… More
PEN America: Trump’s Lawyers’ First Amendment Assertions on Indictment Are “Bogus” and “Readily Debunked”
“Donald Trump's legal team's assertion of a First Amendment defense to four charges of felony conspiracy, including to defraud the United States and obstruct an official proceeding is as bogus… More