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National Organizations Condemn Cancellation of Student Play at Douglas Anderson School of Performing Arts in Duval County, FL
“Indecent is a critically acclaimed and award-winning 2015 play by Paula Vogel that possesses rich educational and artistic merit. It has been produced Off-Broadway, on Broadway, and has been broadcast… More
The PEN Ten: An Interview with Deena Mohamed
To me, the function of speculative fiction and magical realism, the joy of inserting fantasy in mundane urban reality, is to consider the implications of how it might function… More
PEN America pays tribute to Russell Banks, a giant of letters and staunch ally
PEN America paid tribute on Monday to novelist Russell Banks, a longtime advocate of free expression and member of PEN America, who died over the weekend at age 82. More
PEN America: Florida Engages in “Witch Hunt” to Find Out How Public Colleges and Universities are Spending Funds Related to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
Jeremy C. Young, senior manager, free expression and education at PEN America, issued the following statement: “The governor’s request looks more like a witch hunt than a serious effort to… More
PEN America Expresses Dismay Over Harvard’s Denial of Fellowship to Former Human Rights Watch Executive Director Ken Roth
There is no suggestion that Roth's criticisms of Israel are in any way based on racial or religious animus. Withholding Roth's participation in a human rights program due to his own staunch… More
Kate Ruane Joins PEN America as Inaugural Sy Syms Director, U.S. Free Expression Programs
(WASHINGTON)-- PEN America, the free expression and literary advocacy organization, today announced the appointment of Kate Ruane as the inaugural Sy Syms Director, U.S. Free Expression programs. Ruane joins… More
The PEN Ten: 12 Days of Writing Advice
PEN America has been in conversation with authors, poets, and other artists from its inception. This holiday season, we are sharing 12 pieces of writing advice. More
PEN America Cites “Egregious Violation” of Academic Freedom by Hamline University
“If these reports are accurate, Hamline University has committed one of the most egregious violations of academic freedom in recent memory,” said Jeremy Young, senior manager of free expression… More
The Absurd Year in Educational Censorship, From Gay Penguins to the Gettysburg Address
It has been an absurd year for educational censorship. More
PEN America Condemns “Alarming Spread” of Violence and Harassment Against Drag Story Hours
"These violent responses to drag performers and members of the LGBTQ+ community strike at the heart of the freedom to gather, read, perform, and share community safely, all bedrocks… More