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.
- PEN America condemned the Department of Education’s draft regulations for the nation’s accreditation agencies, which would deal a staggering blow to accreditors’ ability to act in the interest of academic freedom. Read analysis of the regulations by Amy Reid, program director for Freedom to Learn, and Jeffrey Adam Sachs, senior analyst.
- PEN America raised alarm about two bills framed as parental protections that would pressure schools to restrict materials, student support, and instruction related to gender identity. “Congress should not prioritize those who want to restrict access to books and ideas for all students over those parents who rely on the expertise of teachers and librarians to present the best age-appropriate materials,” Gloria Walker, manager of policy and government affairs, explains in a new blog post. Learn more.
- School Library Journal shed light on the community that Tasslyn Magnusson, senior advisor, fostered among authors and illustrators named in the Supreme Court case Mahmoud v. Taylor. “She became our guide, mother spirit, soother-in-crisis, and dear friend,” author Charlotte Sullivan Wild said. “She passed on hard-won wisdom and safety guidance. She connected us to support, training, and so many free speech advocates.” Read the full article.
- Utah added a 35th book, Alice Sebold’s Lucky, to its statewide “No-Read” list. Want to learn which other books are banned in public and public charter schools across the state? Take a look.
- In this week’s Member Spotlight, literary agent Renée Zuckerbrot discusses what draws her to a manuscript, the effects of the industry’s financial challenges on agents and editors today, and the joy of literary community. Read the interview.
- Kristen Shahverdian, director of campus free speech, spoke to The Washington Times about religious colleges promoting faith-based approaches to civil discourse. “Universities must be careful that, by enforcing policies and facilitating settings for civil dialogue, they are not inadvertently suppressing other avenues for open inquiry,” she said. Read the article.
- In The Advocate, Madison Markham, program coordinator for Freedom to Read, and Jonathan Friedman, Sy Syms Managing Director for U.S. free expression programs, warn that growing anti-LGBTQ+ censorship efforts resemble the playbooks of modern authoritarian governments. See their op-ed here.
- For Pride, we compiled some of our favorite quotes from authors explaining why they write LGBTQ+ stories. Check them out here.
- Watching the World Cup? Let us give you a book recommendation based on the team you’re rooting for.
- Try our 2026 summer reading challenge! We have plenty of reading lists to help you on your way.
