News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
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Press Releases • Commentary
PEN America Condemns Online Abuse Campaign to Silence Dalit Author Thenmozhi Soundarara
“The attacks against author Thenmozhi Soundararajan and her allies are intended to drive voices from the public square and prevent them from being heard, which stifles free expression and… More
PEN America, in Partnership with Bard College, Establishes Digital Archive to Preserve Independent Reporting by Russian Journalists During Vladimir Putin’s Rule
“Accountability and accurate narrative depend on reliable witnesses who stand against propaganda efforts to reinterpret the past. Brave, determined independent journalists have worked under tremendous constraints on press freedom… More
PEN America Condemns 14-Year Sentence Handed Down to Freedom to Write Honoree Xu Zhiyong
“This 14-year sentence is a shocking and desperate act from the state to hide Xu Zhiyong from the people of China and the world. But his writing lives on… More
India Rewrites its Past in School Textbooks to Suit Ruling Party’s Worldview
“The Modi government’s educational censorship via the rewriting of school textbooks is alarming,” said Nadine Farid Johnson, Managing Director of PEN America Washington and Free Expression Programs. “Coming on… More
Disruption and Harassment at Riley Gaines Speaking Event Made a “Mockery” of Free Speech
“What happened at SFSU was a disaster,” said Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager in free expression and education. “Physical intimidation or violence is never an acceptable response to speech, no… More
PEN America Condemns Move to Expel Tennessee Lawmakers Who Protested on the Legislature Floor
“The right to protest is paramount. Community members have a right to be heard by the lawmakers who serve them, and legislators have a duty to represent the voices… More
PEN America Calls on Twitter to Remove “State-affiliated Media” Designation from NPR’s Twitter Account
“Twitter defines state-affiliated media as ‘outlets where the state exercises control over editorial content through financial resources, direct or indirect political pressures, and/or control over production and distribution.’ That… More
Open Letter Calls for Probe of Inhumane Treatment of Imprisoned Chinese Writer
Angeli Datt, PEN America’s China research and advocacy lead, said: “The reports of the treatment of Mr Lü Gengsong in prison are troubling and we call for an immediate… More
Ann Patchett Invites Community In After School Shooting
In an emotional video on social media, Ann Patchett sent love to those at the nearby Covenant School and invited community members to her store, Parnassus Books, if they… More
PEN America: Suspension of Wayne State University Professor for Social Media Post a “Blatant Overreaction”
Jonathan Friedman, director of free expression and education at PEN America, released the following statement: “The choice to suspend Shaviro and report his social media post to police is a… More