Firing of Princeton University Professor Raises Questions Over Free Expression and Due Process
Without clear indications that offensive speech forms part of a pattern of harassing conduct, the expression of controversial or even offensive views should not be the impetus for the… More
Florida High School Activist Jack Petocz, Organizer of Protests Against Book Bans and “Don’t Say Gay” Bill, Honored with 2022 PEN/Benenson Courage Award
Asia Kate Dillon said: “I hear from young people that seeing my character on Billions has helped them understand their own gender identity – and that this allowed them… More
In a Moment of Dire Threat to Free Expression, PEN America Literary Gala Celebrates Writers, Visionaries, and Truth-Tellers
PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said: “In unimaginable times, we need the imagination, and specifically authors’ imaginations as manifest in the written word, to force us to reckon with… More
PEN America CEO to U.S. House Panel: Book Bans and Educational Gag Orders are ‘an Orchestrated Effort to Polarize, Intimidate, and Restrict Flow of Ideas’
Nossel, a former diplomat and veteran human rights advocate, warned that these disturbing trends at home tarnish America’s global image and undermine the effort to counter rising authoritarianism. “As… More
Removing Tenure and Faculty Status for Librarians at Texas A&M University Would Be “Fundamentally Misguided”
"Texas is at the epicenter of a nationwide book banning frenzy, and the state's lieutenant governor has made no secret of his political attacks on higher education. Given their… More
Writer Andrey Kurkov: Ukrainians Will Never Abandon Faith in Human Rights or Hope for Freedom
“The level of journalism traditionally shows the level of democracy in society. We can see how independent journalism is being destroyed by the example of annexed Crimea,” he said.… More
Writers Delegation from Ukraine to Meet with Biden Administration Officials, Members of Congress May 16-17
In addition to human rights and freedom of expression concerns, the delegation will raise issues including preserving Ukraine’s literary and cultural heritage (publishing and related activities); support to writers… More
Council on Foreign Relations Hosts PEN America and Delegation of Ukraine Writers for May 16 Conversation in Washington
The group will discuss the current atmosphere for the country’s authors and activists, as well as the threat Russia poses to Ukraine’s sovereignty, cultural heritage, and identity. More
Decision by University of St. Thomas to Ban Speaker is “Wrongheaded,” Says PEN America
“The decision by the University of St. Thomas to ban Michael Knowles from campus is unfortunate and wrongheaded. Bans and prohibitions on speakers are toxic policies for educational institutions, even… More
Human Rights Advocate Liesl Gerntholtz Joins PEN America as Inaugural Director of the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center
PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said: "We are delighted to have Liesl Gerntholtz join PEN America to spearhead our global work to defend writers and confront mounting threats to… More