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“Let Utah Read” Event Jan. 25 Celebrates the Freedom to Read, As it Falls Under Attack from Book Bans
Books are under profound attack in the United States and in Utah. Since the passage of HB 374 in 2022, book banning and book challenges have increased dramatically across… More
Closing of Art Exhibit about Racism at Arkansas Tech U Deprives Campus of Opportunity to Engage with it
Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager in the Free Expression and Education program, made the following comments: “That art dealing with racism in America has impacted viewers in different ways is understandable.… More
Over One Hundred Authors Across Eleven Categories Make Longlist for 2023 PEN America Literary Prizes
Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, chief of literary programs at PEN America, said: “For 60 years, writers and translators selected for PEN America’s awards have brought us closer to unfamiliar lives… More
Harvard Deserves Credit for Reversing Decision Witholding a Fellowship from Former Human Rights Watch Leader
"It is important for institutions to be able to recognize where they have made an error that encroaches on free speech and academic freedom and to correct it; Harvard… More
Laws restricting drag shows should scare everyone who believes in free expression
A wave of bills restricting free expression is building in state legislatures. This time, the target is drag performances. More
The PEN Ten: An Interview with Oindrila Mukherjee
No matter where you live or where you grew up or where you were issued a passport, in the end we all experience the same emotions. My wish for… More
Bell Gale Chevigny (1936-2021): Critical Thinking and Grace
Throughout her life, Bell Gale Chevigny taught in prisons and advocated for educational opportunities for incarcerated communities. More
PEN America and PEN Sydney Join More than 170 Writers Calling for the Release of Iranian Poet Ali Asadollahi and Other Writers Imprisoned in Iran
“Since the outpouring of sustained nationwide protests against the government in September, Iran’s writers and broader creative community have been caught in the crosshairs, targeted by authorities with preventative… More
Joint statement calling for the release of unlawfully detained Iranian poets and writers
The continuing persecution and prosecution of Iranian writers constitute clear violations of their freedom of speech, and freedom of conscience, as protected by Iran’s own laws and its legal… More
Brooklyn Public Library and PEN America Teaming Up to Train High School Students to Defend Against Book Bans, Promote the Freedom to Read
Student registrants may attend as many of the four sessions as they would like, however, full attendance and participation are required to receive a certificate of professional achievement from… More
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