News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
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Press Releases • Commentary
Political Litmus Test for Campus Speakers is Inimical to the Mission of Higher Education
“Berkeley Law School appears to have handled this controversy effectively,” Young continued, “making clear the provision violated the tenets of free speech, while also acknowledging that the student group… More
PEN America Condemns Death Threats and Intimidation Against Oregon Shakespeare Festival Director
As we know from PEN America’s work to support those facing online abuse, however, women of color routinely face disproportionate and uniquely virulent attacks. In our increasingly polarized society,… More
Artists at Risk Connection Condemns Arrests of Russia Poets Related to Anti-War Event
Julie Trebault, director of the Artists at Risk Connection, said: “Our hearts are with Artem Kamardin, Nikolay Dayneko, and Egor Shtovba and their friends and families during this difficult… More
Stanford Study: PEN America Workshops Significantly Improved Participants’ Digital Media Literacy Skills to Counter Disinformation
To counter that threat PEN America launched its Knowing the News media literacy program in 2020 to equip the public with the knowledge and skills to defend against disinformation.… More
University of Idaho Guidance on Near-Total Abortion Ban is a Chilling Example of Linked Threats to Free Expression
“The University of Idaho’s guidance to its staff is a chilling example of the threats that new, expansive restrictions on abortion rights pose to freedom of expression, and a… More
PEN America Responds to Questions Raised about Book Bans in the Central York, PA Schools
(NEW YORK)-- In response to questions raised about the banning of books in the Central York, PA school district, PEN America issued the following statement: In fall 2021, a list… More
Sentencing of Chair of The Freedom Theatre in Jenin, Palestine is a Serious Human Rights Violation
“The arrest and imprisonment without trial of Bilal Al-Saadi represents a serious violation of his human rights, while the growing crackdown on Palestian civil society raises grave concerns about… More
PEN America Applauds Congressional Resolutions Condemning Book Bans and Affirming the Right to Free Expression in Schools
"Book bans are a blatant affront to free expression, the lifeblood of our democracy,” said Nadine Farid Johnson, managing director of PEN America Washington and Free Expression Programs. “Encroachments… More
“Heckler’s Veto” Has No Place in Interrupting Speakers on College Campuses
(NEW YORK) -- Protestors at the University of New Mexico last week interrupted a speech by conservative commentator Tomi Lahren, who appeared at the invitation of conservative student group… More
Words on Fire: Authors Sound Alarm to Defend Free Speech
PEN America Symposium Celebrates 100 Years of Defending Free Expression and the Power of the Written Word By Suzanne Trimel (NEW YORK) -- As leading literary luminaries gathered to celebrate PEN… More