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.
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PEN America said it is outraged by images of an Israeli soldier setting fire to books in a library in Gaza. Book burning and the destruction of libraries infringe on the human right to access and enjoy cultural heritage which is guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These rights are an expression of and a requisite of human dignity.
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A coalition of Florida and national organizations replied to a letter from the State University System of Florida, again urging Florida university leadership to adhere to constitutional obligations by rejecting the use of disproportionate police force and harsh tactics against student protests.
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In response to reports that Türkiye is considering a foreign agent registration law similar to ones in Russia, Georgia, and other countries, PEN America called the proposed law “a giant step in the wrong direction, furthering a global trend of labeling criticism as part of a nefarious foreign plot.”
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Jonathan Friedman, Sy Syms managing director, U.S. Free Expression Programs, expressed alarm about Israeli scholar Ilan Pappé’s account of being detained and questioned by U.S. border guards, seemingly because of his academic work and political views critical of the Israeli government.
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PEN America’s Artists at Risk Connection called for the immediate release of Russian theater director Zhenya Berkovich and screenwriter Svetlana Petriychuk as they are on trial for terrorism charges.
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PEN America’s Artists at Risk Connection called for the immediate release of Iranian rapper Saman Yasin, as well as immediate medical treatment.
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Friedman had a wide-ranging conversation about book bans and laws that censor teachers and classrooms with the American Alliance of Museums.
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Kasey Meehan spoke about how book bans censor history about race and racism with the Black Wall Street Times.
