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 January 22
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
New Policies at American University Undermine Free Expression on Campus
PEN America’s Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager on the Free Expression and Education team, said: “Clamping down on free expression in the name of inclusion is an insult to both… More
Champions of Higher Education Unite to Fight Educational Censorship
PEN America was joined by 13 former college presidents for a summit to discuss legislative assaults on higher education and what academics and their allies can do to fight… More
Khaled Hosseini Shares Heartfelt Letter to Book Banners
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini was returned to shelves in Brevard County, Florida. Hosseini wrote a letter to the school board citing the letters he receives from students… More
House Passes First Federal Bill Shielding Journalists from Revealing Sources
House bill, H.R.4250, known as the PRESS Act (for Protect Reporters from Excessive Suppression Act) is “integral to protect journalists in reporting freely without fear of retaliation or court-ordered… More
PEN America Mourns the Death of Children’s Book Author Robie Harris, a Champion of Free Expression and the Right to Read
[caption id="attachment_242286" align="alignnone" width="300"] Robie Harris, left, with PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel at the 2023 PEN America Literary Gala, NYC[/caption] By Suzanne Trimel (NEW YORK)— PEN America is mourning the… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of January 15
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
Conservative Commentator Bill O’Reilly Hits the Roof Over His Books Being Banned in Florida
O'Reilly now views the bans in a different light, arguing that Florida lawmakers wrote a law whose wording was too vague and needs to be rewritten. More
PEN America Expresses Relief Over Court Injunction Against Texas Law Requiring Sexual Ratings for School Books
“Booksellers are essential in advancing the freedom to read for all. Blocking the implementation of HB 900 will help ensure authors can reach Texas audiences and bookstores can distribute… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of Jan. 8
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