The Making Of A Movement: Unifying To Protect Free Expression And Democracy In Florida

In response to unparalleled threats to democracy, First Amendment liberties and the freedom to read and learn, PEN America has launched an advocacy office in Florida. The PEN staff is responding to the current crisis of book bans and education censorship and will be a permanent force to mobilize local resistance and protect free expression and our democracy for future generations. 

PEN experts will discuss the organization’s engagement at New College, the state of censorship efforts in K-12 public education, and recent and proposed Florida legislation undermining our public education system. 

You will hear about PEN’s efforts at the state capital and in the courts, all while building a movement for organized and strategic local and state level advocacy to defend and protect our First Amendment liberties. 

The conversation will feature PEN America Florida’s inaugural director Katie Blakenship, PEN America’s Freedom to Learn Program Director Jeremy Young, and Community Outreach Consultant Sophia Brown. 

This virtual event will be a precursor to our in-person community event in Sarasota, scheduled for late March. More information will be provided during the virtual meeting.

RSVP to [email protected] to receive the Zoom link.