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
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
Linfield University Fires Professor Who Spoke Out Against Sexual Misconduct
Linfield University in Oregon last week abruptly terminated a tenured English professor following no apparent disciplinary process after the professor publicized allegations of sexual misconduct against members of the university's board… More
Russian Government Slaps Independent Media Outlet With “Foreign Agent” Label
Russia's government took the drastic step of designating the privatey-owned media outlet Meduza as a "foreign agent" late last week. More
Cuban Authorities Must Release Detained Cuban Artists and Cease Harassment Campaign
On Thursday morning, Cuban police arrested four artists and one independent journalist attempting to leave their houses to participate in a demonstration in support of independent artist Luis Manuel… More
Coalition Urges White House to Establish Disinformation Defense and Free Expression Task Force
(New York, NY) — Today PEN America, alongside a coalition of human rights, free speech, democracy, and technology organizations, sent a letter to the White House urging the Biden-Harris… More