News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
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Press Releases • Commentary
Years More Added to Journalist’s Prison Sentence in Algeria Shows Deepening Crackdown on Press Freedom
Justin Shilad, Middle East and North Africa Research and Advocacy lead at PEN America, said the increased sentence points to the “arbitrary nature of the charges and original sentence… More
PEN America Condemns Censorship and Intimidation at LGBTQ Pride Events in Türkiye
“The decision by the Kadıköy District Governorship to ban events such as a Pride Month film screening and arrest attendees, and to ban a separate ‘tea and talk’ event,… More
“Misguided and Chilling” Decision by CA School Board to Fire Superintendent, Following Removal of Textbook Over Inclusion of LGBTQ+ Rights History, Says PEN America
Allison Lee, director of PEN America’s Los Angeles office, made the following comments: “By firing Dr. McClay, the Temecula board has sent a chilling message to the ranks of teachers… More
Art Spiegelman on Banning ‘Maus’
Art Spiegelman talks about the banning of 'Maus' as it is reviewed in Missouri for concerns about sexually explicit material. More
”Outrageous Government Censorship,” Says PEN America, About Removal of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Memoir from South Carolina AP Course
Jeremy C. Young, freedom to learn program director, said: “This is an outrageous act of government censorship and a textbook example of how educational gag orders corrupt free inquiry… More
PEN America and 3 Other Free Speech Groups File Amicus Brief in 1st Amendment Herndon v. Netflix Case
Kate Ruane, Sy Syms director of the U.S. Free Expression programs at PEN America, said: “Understandably it is difficult to adhere to principles when faced with a tragedy like… More
PEN America: “Regrettable” that Elizabeth Gilbert Delayed Publication of New Novel Set in Russia
"It is regrettable that Elizabeth Gilbert felt it necessary to delay the publication of a novel set in Russia. Ukrainians have suffered immeasurably, and Gilbert's decision in the face of online… More
PEN America Condemns Transnational Repression of Chinese Political Cartoonist Badiucao in Poland
“Chinese authorities have long targeted Badiucao for his political cartoons and artworks protesting the extreme human rights violations levied against its citizens and in Hong Kong,” said Artists at… More
White House Announcement of Anti-Book Ban Coordinator Treats Crisis with Deserved Seriousness
PEN America’s Washington Managing Director Nadine Farid Johnson issued the following statement on Thursday: “The growing movement to ban books—especially books focused on the experiences of people of color and… More
PEN America Welcomes NY Corrections Department Decision to Rescind “Unjustifiable” Proposal to Limit Free Expression for Incarcerated Writers
Moira Marquis, senior manager of PEN America’s Freewrite Project, said: “Any effort to crush the right of incarcerated people to express themselves, and in particular, to limit literacy and… More