Don’t Censor America
We demand that our voices be heard.
10,046
PEN America research finds 10,000+ instances of book bans in the 2023-2024 school year—more than double the last school year.
New: Restrictions on Books Rise 2021-2024
Following trends from previous years in which books were targeted for including diverse perspectives, book bans from the 2023-2024 school year overwhelmingly featured stories with people or characters of color and/or LGBTQ+ people.
Will you join us? Send a letter to your state lawmakers to voice your opposition to book bans.
Defend the Freedom to Read and Learn
Books banned. Professors Fired. Librarians Threatened. Textbooks Censored. American education is under attack, and we stand with educators and librarians in defending the freedom to read and learn. Attend your local school board meetings, vote in your local elections, and speak up about the right to read.
5 Ways to Fight Book Bans
Here are five things you can do today to fight book bans in your community and beyond >>
What to Say at Public Meetings
We have some simple suggestions about how to talk about book bans at school board or library meetings >>
Spread Facts, Not Falsehoods
Disinformation is designed to inflame emotions and get us to share before we think. Especially during an election, news happens fast and emotions are high. Fight disinformation by being your own fact-checker. Take a beat and ask yourself: Can I trust that this information is accurate? Should I wait to see if this information will be verified? Think critically, and share responsibly.
Media Literacy Toolkit
It is vital that we all become more discerning consumers of information and news. Here are five quick tips for defending against disinformation >>
How to Talk to Friends and Family Who Share Misinformation
Your friends and family may be spreading misinformation, which is shared by people who may not know the information is false >>
A Journalist’s Guide to Combating Disinformation
PEN America has developed resources to help journalists detect, monitor, and report on disinformation and build greater trust with their communities >>
Support Journalists
Journalists uphold democracy by providing essential information and oversight about what’s happening in our communities. But they’re facing growing threats, online and off. By defending journalists and championing fact-based reporting, you can help hold elected officials, candidates, and governments accountable.
Get Your Merch!
Tell everyone: “I AM PRO-BOOKS AND I VOTE!” Our shop has t-shirts, sweaters, tote bags, mugs, onesies, and more. Support the freedom to read today with exclusive designs by Todd Parr, Mike Curato, Art Spiegelman, Lingua Franca, and more!
Help PEN America Fight Book Bans
PEN America’s research shows that book bans are speeding up, with more than 10,000 instances of book bans in the 2023-2024 school year – more than double the number in the previous year. Your support is critical to the fight against book bans. Please donate today.
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