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New Policies at American University Undermine Free Expression on Campus
PEN America’s Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager on the Free Expression and Education team, said: “Clamping down on free expression in the name of inclusion is an insult to both… More
Champions of Higher Education Unite to Fight Educational Censorship
PEN America was joined by 13 former college presidents for a summit to discuss legislative assaults on higher education and what academics and their allies can do to fight… More
Khaled Hosseini Shares Heartfelt Letter to Book Banners
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini was returned to shelves in Brevard County, Florida. Hosseini wrote a letter to the school board citing the letters he receives from students… More
PEN America Partners with Ukraine National Pavilion for Venice Biennale
The Artists at Risk Connection and PEN America are pleased to support the vital work of the six Ukrainian artists featured in the Ukrainian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. More
‘Parental Rights’ in Wisconsin | WI AB 510
Wisconsin’s AB 510, which passed the state assembly last week, claims to advance “parental rights” in public schools – but it actually advances a much more censorial agenda. More
House Passes First Federal Bill Shielding Journalists from Revealing Sources
House bill, H.R.4250, known as the PRESS Act (for Protect Reporters from Excessive Suppression Act) is “integral to protect journalists in reporting freely without fear of retaliation or court-ordered… More
PEN America Mourns the Death of Children’s Book Author Robie Harris, a Champion of Free Expression and the Right to Read
[caption id="attachment_242286" align="alignnone" width="300"] Robie Harris, left, with PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel at the 2023 PEN America Literary Gala, NYC[/caption] By Suzanne Trimel (NEW YORK)— PEN America is mourning the… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of January 15
PEN America works tirelessly to defend free expression, support persecuted writers, and promote literary culture. Here are some of the latest ways PEN America is speaking out. More
At Harvard, a Summit for Free Expression
Amid its high-profile struggle around free speech on campus, Harvard University invited PEN America to convene a Free Speech Summit on Friday for 100 student leaders from Harvard and… More
25 books banned in Marietta, Georgia, over parent objections
Eleven of the 25 books banned in Marietta are written by LGBTQ+ authors and/or include LGBTQ+ characters. More