News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
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Press Releases • Commentary
Decision by University of Southern California to Bar Professor from Teaching This Semester for Anti-Hamas Remarks is a “Shocking Overreaction,” Says PEN America
“Totally barring a professor from campus because of a passing comment like this is a shocking overreaction. Regardless of Professor Strauss’s intent, he is entitled to his views and… More
Marietta, GA School Board Upholds Ban on Flamer, Book by Mike Curato
“In September, PEN America said this policy decision would lead to censorship - and we are disturbed to find that it has. While two parents were able to ban… More
PEN America Calls on Israeli Government to Rescind Inflammatory Rhetoric, Threats Against Palestinian Journalists
(NEW YORK)—PEN America called on the Israeli government today to immediately rescind inflammatory rhetoric and threats against freelance Palestinian photojournalists who supplied news agencies with images of Hamas’ unprecedented… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of November 6
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
PEN America Urges Texas School to Reverse Decision to Kick Trans Student Out of Lead Role in Musical Oklahoma!
“This is a cruel decision guided by a ‘criteria’ that the district admits is applied unevenly. It is yet another example of threats to free expression for LGBTQ+ students,… More
Deep Concern Over Arrest of Author Ahed Tamimi in West Bank, Reportedly Over Social Media Posts
We are deeply concerned about reports that she is being held in incommunicado detention without charge. Tamimi's detention on the basis of protected expression cannot be justified; we urge… More
New Report: Legislatures Introduce 110 Educational Gag Orders in 2023
“Censorship advocates have spent years trying to sabotage the teaching of ideas they don't like, and imposing their own views on our nation's students,” said PEN America’s Jeremy C.… More
Brandeis U Revokes Recognition of Student Palestine Group Without Citing Any Violations of Policies
“Private universities ought to uphold robust protections for students’ free expression and association. Even if they are not subject to the First Amendment, private universities like Brandeis have rightfully… More
Call for Israeli Authorities to Show Evidence for Detention of Author Ahed Tamimi
“Our partner Penguin Random House/One World has expressed strong concerns to us that their author, Ahed Tamimi, has been arrested in the West Bank on the basis of antisemitic and hateful… More
More Than 300 Book Titles Banned by Collier County, FL, Including Literary Classics by Aldous Huxley, Ralph Ellison and Joseph Heller
“We are saddened for the students of Collier County Public Schools that so many titles, including renowned literary classics and contemporary young adult works are banned from student access,”… More