News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
Jump to:
Press Releases • Commentary
Trump Directives Restricting Discussion of Race, Discrimination Are Censorship
"This is an effort at censorship that will constrict the space for learning, inquiry, and open exchange." More
PEN America to Award 2020 PEN/Benenson Courage Award to Marie Yovanovitch
“At a time when, for government officials, standing on principle can spell an end to a professional career, Ambassador Yovanovitch did not flinch or falter." More
PEN America Welcomes Senate Bill to Support Local News
“Establishing a federal commission on local news is a crucial step towards building a bipartisan commitment to a diverse, free, and sustainable press, which is foundational to ensuring all… More
Hong Kong Activist Arrested Hours After PEN America Event
Joshua has long stood as a symbol of the broad public movement for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong. Any time he is targeted, it is the authorities sending… More
‘Antibodies’ Original Song Channels Fight for Free Expression
“While these two artists come from separate musical traditions and backgrounds, both have found a measure of solidarity in standing for human rights and freedom amid a difficult global… More
Chinese Dissident Poet Wang Zang Arrested
“Wang Zang's arrest is a strike at the heart of free expression and artistic freedom in China." More
Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf to Lead Literary Programming at PEN America
"Clarisse has established a name for herself as one of the country’s most innovative, broad-ranging and magnetic literary leaders." More
Texas A&M Considering Firing Professor Who Protested Racial Injustice
“That the cancelation of a single class and some office hours is gaining such outsized scrutiny raises serious questions about whether the furor here is about the cancellations or… More
DeSantis’ Anti-Protest Proposal Shows Flagrant Disregard for First Amendment
“Florida Governor DeSantis' anti-protest bill politicizes the right to protest and flagrantly disregards the protections provided by the First Amendment." More
PEN America Condemns Belarus’ Campaign of Intimidation Against Nobel-Winner Svetlana Alexievich
"All that stands between Svetlana Alexievich and arrest is international pressure and the physical bodies of European diplomats." More