News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
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Press Releases • Commentary
“Blatantly Inappropriate Investigation” of Texas A&M Professor After She Criticized the Lieutenant Governor
Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager in PEN America’s Free Expression and Education program, said: “This blatantly inappropriate investigation is a frightening example of how precarious academic freedom is becoming on… More
Wisconsin Teacher Fired for a Private Tweet: an “Extreme and Punitive Overreaction”
“I think it’s very confusing for kids, because we’ve come so far with the LGBTQ community, and we like to think that there’s less racism. We have a lot… More
‘Rainbowland’ Teacher Melissa Tempel Prepares Lawsuit
Melissa Tempel was fired after tweeting that her first-graders weren't allowed to sing 'Rainbowland.' Now she's speaking out. More
“Callousness” of Decision to Add Four Years to Journalist’s Imprisonment in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, Compounded by Arrest of a Second Journalist Who Criticized the Added Sentence
Justin Shilad, PEN America’s research and advocacy lead for the Middle East and North Africa said: “The fact that Sherwani was behind bars to begin with for his critical… More
Sentencing of Iranian Actresses Leila Bolukat and Afsaneh Bayegan is a “Cruel” Blow to Their Artistic Freedom, says PEN America
Julie Trebault, director, Artists at Risk Connection at PEN America, said: "The cruel sentencing and bans inflicted upon Leila Bolukat and Afsaneh Bayegan exemplify the Iranian authorities' calculated assault… More
Arizona Legislative Probe of Free Speech on Campuses Should Avoid Partisanship, Says PEN America
Jonathan Friedman, director of Free Expression and Education at PEN America, said: “While there is nothing wrong with government officials affirming support for free speech on campus or looking… More
PEN America: House Committee’s Decision to Disinvite Human Rights Expert from Testifying Runs Contrary to “Legitimate Interests”
Summer Lopez, chief program officer for free expression at PEN America, said: "The House Committee on Education and Workforce's decision to disinvite Sophie Richardson from testifying due to her… More
Imprisoned Cuban Artist and Activist Maykel “Osorbo” Castillo Pérez Sews His Mouth Shut to Protest Threats and Harassment
Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) Director Julie Trébault said: “Maykel Castillo has endured unrelenting and unfair treatment and we are deeply concerned about his well-being in light of these… More
Prison Sentence Imposed on Lebanese Journalist Underscores an Escalating Effort to Intimidate Journalists and Critics
Justin Shilad, Middle East and North Africa research and advocacy lead at PEN America, said: “The verdict against Dima Sadek is deeply concerning, as it shows the escalating attacks… More
PEN America Expresses Horror Over Untimely Death in Prison of Belarusian Artist and Activist Ales Pushkin
PEN America’s Eurasia and Advocacy Director Polina Sadovskaya said: “We are horrified by the untimely death of dissident artist Ales Pushkin. As a well-known painter, performance artist, and activist,… More