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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
With President Biden’s Signature, ‘Burma Act’ Becomes Law With Aim of Holding Military Accountable and Supporting A Democratic Myanmar
Laura Schroeder, senior manager of Legislative Affairs at PEN America, said: “The BURMA Act is an important step to hold the military junta accountable for the horrors it has… More
Good News that Wentzville School District Returns 200 Temporarily Banned Books to Shelves But PEN America Raises Concern that 17 Removed Books Are Still Inaccessible
“When legislation and threats of criminalization are enacted without guidelines, what we see are librarians and school officials operating out of fear and excess caution,” said Kasey Meehan, program… More
The 10 Most Banned Books of the 2021-2022 School Year
These were the 10 most banned books in the 2021-2022 school year, according to PEN America's Banned Book Index. More
UN Ruling Demands Iran Release Persecuted Writers
“As the anniversary of Baktash Abtin’s death approaches, we are encouraged and heartened by this robust ruling,” said Karin Deutsch Karlekar, PEN America’s director of Free Expression at Risk… More
Arrest of Actress, Activist, Translator Taraneh Alidoosti is Another Blatant Effort to Suppress Human Rights in Iran
Liesl Gerntholtz, director of the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center, said: "Taraneh Alidoosti is a highly talented actress who has long used her celebrity status to advocate for women's equality in… More