News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
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Press Releases • Commentary
PEN America Finds Surge in Anti-Protest Bills as State Legislators Escalate First Amendment Crackdown
State lawmakers across the country have accelerated their crackdown on constitutionally-protected protests, proposing a wave of legislation over the past year that would heap fines, fees, and criminal penalties… More
PEN America Welcomes Bill to Support Local News as Critical Infrastructure
PEN America welcomes Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Rep. Marc Veasey’s (D-TX) introduction of the Future of Local News Act. More
PEN America Appalled by Death in Detention of Myanmar Poet
PEN America condemned the killing of poet Khet Thi and called on the ruling junta in Myanmar to cease targeting those speaking out. More
New Survey Finds New York City Writers, Literary Groups Facing Financial Strain
As New York City leaders commit to a summertime reopening, the city’s cultural scene—and in particular its writers and literary organizations—continue to struggle financially. More
Biden’s Iran Policy Must Include Focus on Human Rights, Groups Say in Joint Letter
Today PEN America and the Center for Human Rights in Iran, along with a coalition of human rights organizations, sent a joint letter to President Biden urging his administration… More
Henry Louis Gates Jr., Robert A. Iger Set to Receive Top Honors at This Year’s PEN America Gala
At its annual gala to take place October 5, the literary and free expression group PEN America will honor writer, critic, professor, and filmmaker Henry Louis Gates Jr. and… More
PEN America Announces 2021 Emerging Voices Fellows
PEN America today announced that it has selected its 2021 Emerging Voices Fellows. More
Idaho Bill Attacking Critical Race Theory is Affront to Academic Freedom
This bill claims to defend intellectual honesty, freedom of inquiry, and freedom of speech. In reality, it tramples on them. More
Russian Artist Declares Hunger Strike to Protest Closed-Door Trial
Russian feminist artist and LGBTQIA+ activist Yulia Tsvetkova announced a hunger strike earlier this week to demand that her trial, which began last month, be opened to the public.… More
What the Oversight Board’s Decision On Facebook’s Trump Suspension Means (and Doesn’t)
The Oversight Board, an independent entity established by Facebook, issued its decision Wednesday on the suspension of Donald Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. More