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Sonia Feldman | 2023 PEN/Robert J. Dau Prize Winner
Reading gives me the opportunity to think somebody else’s thoughts instead of my own. That’s what I hope my writing might offer to someone else, a respite from the… More
Monthslong Campaign of “Baseless Claims and Conspiracy Theories” May Lead to Shutdown of VA Library
Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America, said: “What is happening in Front Royal, Virginia should serve as a wake up call for anyone who cares… More
Temporary Ruling to Halt Implementation of TX Law on Book Ratings is a Victory for the Freedom to Read
Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America, said: “We welcome this decision to temporarily halt the implementation of HB 900. This law, which forces private companies… More
It’s Not Just Florida: 4 New ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Laws Passed in 2023
Teachers in North Carolina, Arkansas, Iowa, and Indiana are beginning their school years newly stripped of their right to say “gay.” More
New Bill in Congress on School Materials Addresses a Non-Existent Problem, But Would Instead Chill Public Education
Laura Schroeder, senior manager of legislative affairs at PEN America, said: “This bill is an intimidation tactic that seeks to address a problem that doesn’t exist. There is no… More
PEN America Launches Fund to Assist Early Career Screenwriters Facing Economic Hardship
Ayad Akhtar, PEN America’s president and a novelist, playwright and screenwriter, said: “During these difficult days, we are honored as a writers organization to do as much as we… More
As Hollywood Strikes, PEN America Lends a Hand
As the writers’ strike stretches on and many film and television writers struggle to pay their bills, PEN America is creating a Screenwriters Emergency Financial Assistance Fund to address… More
Threat by Tennessee Prosecutor to Enforce Drag Performance Ban at Pride Festival Poses a “Grave Threat” to Free Expression
“Tennessee’s Adult Entertainment Act poses a grave threat to the free expression of drag artists and LGBTQ+ Tennesseans more broadly. Even further, it is likely unconstitutional—as stated by a… More
Death Sentence for Retired Teacher Over Social Media Posts in Saudi Arabia is a “Horrifying Escalation” of the Kingdom’s Crackdown on Free Expression
Justin Shilad, Middle East and North Africa research and advocacy lead at PEN America, said: “Saudi Arabia’s sentencing Mohammed al-Ghamdi to death for posting and sharing on social media… More
CPJ, partners call on Bangladesh to dismiss Digital Security Act cases over freedom of expression
We write to seek your administration’s urgent intervention to immediately end the harassment and intimidation of journalist Adhora Yeasmean. More