News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
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Press Releases • Commentary
PEN America Condemns Ongoing Russian Efforts to Stifle Independent Media and Civil Society
“The Russian Federation is using every tactic in the book to silence criticism and open debate. Laws that define organizations as ‘undesirable,’ that limit their options to receive funding,… More
PEN America: Meta Decision Lifting Trump Suspension To Hinge on How New Guardrails are Implemented and Enforced
“Meta’s decision to end its suspension of former President Trump from its platforms appears to be based on a reasoned weighing of current threats and the value of public… More
Book Lovers Stage Read-In at State Capitol for ‘Let Utah Read’
PEN America was among the organizers of the protest against a rise in book bans in Utah. More
Bill to Ban TikTok is a Sweeping Resort to Censorship that Would Undermine Free Expression, Says PEN America
Proposals such as Hawley’s–including the recently introduced Terminate TikTok on Campus Act (H.R. 231), which would prohibit federal funding of higher education institutions unless they ban TikTok on institution-owned… More
Harvard Deserves Credit for Reversing Decision Witholding a Fellowship from Former Human Rights Watch Leader
"It is important for institutions to be able to recognize where they have made an error that encroaches on free speech and academic freedom and to correct it; Harvard… More
Laws restricting drag shows should scare everyone who believes in free expression
A wave of bills restricting free expression is building in state legislatures. This time, the target is drag performances. More
PEN America and PEN Sydney Join More than 170 Writers Calling for the Release of Iranian Poet Ali Asadollahi and Other Writers Imprisoned in Iran
“Since the outpouring of sustained nationwide protests against the government in September, Iran’s writers and broader creative community have been caught in the crosshairs, targeted by authorities with preventative… More
National Organizations Condemn Cancellation of Student Play at Douglas Anderson School of Performing Arts in Duval County, FL
“Indecent is a critically acclaimed and award-winning 2015 play by Paula Vogel that possesses rich educational and artistic merit. It has been produced Off-Broadway, on Broadway, and has been broadcast… More
PEN America pays tribute to Russell Banks, a giant of letters and staunch ally
PEN America paid tribute on Monday to novelist Russell Banks, a longtime advocate of free expression and member of PEN America, who died over the weekend at age 82. More
PEN America: Florida Engages in “Witch Hunt” to Find Out How Public Colleges and Universities are Spending Funds Related to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
Jeremy C. Young, senior manager, free expression and education at PEN America, issued the following statement: “The governor’s request looks more like a witch hunt than a serious effort to… More