News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
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Press Releases • Commentary
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of May 20
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 Alarmed by Images of Israeli Soldiers with Burning Books
PEN America is outraged by images of an Israeli soldier setting fire to books in a library in Gaza. More
Disproportionate Use of Force Against Peaceful Student Protesters in Florida Cannot Stand, Coalition Says
Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida, said: “Student protests on Florida campuses have rarely been met with this level of unnecessary hostility and violence. Even when it involves… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of May 13
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 Signs Onto ACLS Statement on Campus Protests
“We are grateful for the opportunity to sign this ACLS statement. Preserving free expression on campus requires protecting the right to protest peacefully. Unfortunately, protecting this right has not… More
Proposed University of North Carolina Policy Change Would Chill Campus Speech, Says PEN America
Jeremy Young, Freedom to Learn program director at PEN America, wrote in the letter that while universities are free to adopt policies of institutional neutrality, UNC’s vague language and… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of May 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 Signs Onto Historical Association Statement Voicing Concern Over Use of Force Against Campus Protesters
“We are pleased to sign on to the American Historical Association's statement about recent campus protests. We echo their concerns about use of force against peaceful protesters and their… More
Free Speech Organizations Criticize Florida Colleges and Universities’ Response to Student Protests
“Free expression, coupled with dissent and critical thinking, are fundamental pillars to higher education institutions. Especially during these moments, administrators must respond to student protests in a way that… More
Bike Locks and Tents: Journalists Investigated the ‘Outside Agitator’ Allegation in Real-Time as Police Raided Campuses
A popular disinformation tactic was gaining traction, blaming 'outside agitators' for unrest on campus. More