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Shouting into the Void: Why Reporting Abuse to Social Media Platforms Is So Hard and How to Fix It
The technology companies that run social media platforms, where so much of online abuse plays out, are failing to protect and support their users. More
PEN America Calls Supreme Court Decision in Counterman v. Colorado an “Important and Necessary Protection for Free Expression”
“Nevertheless,” Ruane said, “we would have preferred a more speech-protective standard than the one announced today for true threats. The recklessness standard, appropriate for a stalking case or other… More
New Report Calls for Greater Protections for Threatened Artists on the Frontlines of Social and Political Change Worldwide
“With their unique ability to challenge dominant narratives, bring people together, and foster hope in a brighter future, socially engaged artists are a critical part of the battle to… More
PEN America Legal Filing Argues that Florida’s Stop WOKE Act is Unconstitutional
“Florida’s ‘Stop W.O.K.E.’ Act impedes the robust exchange of ideas that is foundational to our education system and our democracy,” said Kate Ruane, Sy Syms director of the U.S.… More
The PEN Ten: An Interview with Nicole Cuffy
I wanted the experience of reading this to be physical in a way; I wanted readers to bring their attention to their own physicality, even if they haven’t danced… More
Freedom to Read Statement, Drafted 70 Years Ago, Is Vital Today in a New Time of Censorship
(NEW YORK)— PEN America, its president, Ayad Akhtar, and a group of past PEN America presidents today joined free expression and literary organizations and publishers in endorsing the Freedom… More
Firing of Georgia Teacher for Reading a Book that Promotes Inclusivity is “Shocking” and “Harmful,” Says PEN America
Jonathan Friedman, PEN America’s director of Free Expression and Education, said: "It is shocking that an educator would be terminated under this vague law for reading students a book… More
Student Policy at University of Buffalo Restricting Recognition of Certain Groups is Short Sighted and Shows the Ripple Effects of Censorship, Says PEN America
Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager of Free Expression and Education at PEN America, said in response: “This ruling is not only concerning as a form of retaliation against conservative students;… More
“Unfortunate” Development for Academic Freedom, as Arizona State University Center Closes After Donor Withdraws Funding
PEN America’s director of Free Expression and Education Jonathan Friedman said in response: “The loss of the Lewis Center is an unfortunate outcome for academic freedom at ASU. It’s… More
PEN America Rejects Move by Huntington Beach, CA Government to Consider a Legal Study to Restrict Books from Minors
Elana K Arnold, one of the most frequently banned authors in the country in the first half of this school year, spoke, urging a rejection of the proposal. “When… More