PEN America Calls on S.C. Library to Reverse Restriction on Books about Transgender Subjects
Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America, said the board should reverse its decision, which she said was based on “viewpoint discrimination” and noted that book… More
PEN America To Offer Workshops for Emerging Writers in Los Angeles
“We are thrilled to bring this much-loved resource back to Los Angeles,” said Allison Lee, managing director of PEN America Los Angeles. “PEN America’s Emerging Voices programs share the… More
Artists and Authors to Join PEN America on 12/6 in Brooklyn to Celebrate its 2023 Anthology of Stories, Poems, Plays and Non-Fiction by Incarcerated Writers
Break Out is an annual community-centered staging of compelling cross-genre literary works by currently incarcerated writers. The selection of readings will be performed by a dynamic cadre of presenters.… More
Threat by Tennessee Prosecutor to Enforce Drag Performance Ban at Pride Festival Poses a “Grave Threat” to Free Expression
“Tennessee’s Adult Entertainment Act poses a grave threat to the free expression of drag artists and LGBTQ+ Tennesseans more broadly. Even further, it is likely unconstitutional—as stated by a… More
PEN Tulsa Hosts Community Freedom to Read Summit Sat., 9/9
“We are at a critical crossroads in our community and state,” said PEN America Tulsa Chapter leader Jeff Martin. “Given the threats to our literary liberty from state officials… More
U of Arkansas Refuses Payment to Doctor for Speaking to Medical Students After He Fails to Agree Not to Boycott Israel
Kate Ruane, director of U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America, said: “It is ridiculous and offensive that Dr. Feldman is being denied payment for his services because he refuses… More
PEN Tulsa Celebrates Free Expression and Queer Identity with Events May 20 and 21
"[...] the title alone is like waving a red cape in front of a right-wing bull. Let alone that it centers the story of an urban Black trans woman.… More
Student Decision to Prevent Speaker from On-Campus Talk in Spokane is Disappointing, Especially in Light of Historic Levels of Education Censorship, Says PEN America
A fear that the speech will offend some listeners cannot be the bar by which invitations to speakers are denied on campuses. More
PEN America Condemns Convictions of Asheville, NC Journalists Arrested for Filming Police Clearing of Encampment of Homeless People
(NEW YORK) – The arrests and convictions of two North Carolina journalists on trespassing charges for filming police as they cleared an encampment of homeless people sets a “dangerous… More
Local Journalists Join PEN America’s Arizona Chapter for Discussion on Trust in Media to Mark World Press Freedom Day May 3
“Meet the Media: A Celebration of World Press Freedom,” will be moderated by long-time Valley radio and television journalist Danielle Williams at 6:30-8 pm local time at Changing Hands… More