Scheduled Vote to Close Library Sends an Alarming Message that Government Can Choose What People Read
Kasey Meehan, program director, Freedom to Read project at PEN America, issued the following statement: “The proposal to close the Llano library system is not only an end-run to avoid… More
PEN America Presents “Free Speech & Hate: History’s Lessons” April 27 at Tulsa Press Club, Tulsa, OK
By examining instances when the use of racial slurs, attacks on marginalized groups, and controversial creative expressions have sparked cultural change, this humanities discussion will tackle the question of… More
Prison Arts Collective and PEN America Collaboration on New Season of Outside:Inside Radio
Outside:Inside Radio started in 2020 as a means to expand PAC programming for incarcerated participants during the extensive lockdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Hosted and co-produced by Kathie… More
PEN America Presents Conversation Feb. 1 with National Book Award Winner and Birmingham Native Imani Perry
Birmingham Reads launched last summer and engaged over 100 community members in conversations about history, race, music, and culture, according to Alina Stefanescu, PEN Birmingham chapter leader. She said: “Reading… More
“Let Utah Read” Event Jan. 25 Celebrates the Freedom to Read, As it Falls Under Attack from Book Bans
Books are under profound attack in the United States and in Utah. Since the passage of HB 374 in 2022, book banning and book challenges have increased dramatically across… More
Closing of Art Exhibit about Racism at Arkansas Tech U Deprives Campus of Opportunity to Engage with it
Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager in the Free Expression and Education program, made the following comments: “That art dealing with racism in America has impacted viewers in different ways is understandable.… More
Alarm Over South Dakota Elected Leaders’ Attempt to Exert Control Over Student-Sponsored Drag Show
“It is not the place of elected officials to pick and choose what events and whose expression is allowable on campus, meddling in students’ First Amendment rights,” said Jonathan… More
PEN America Urges NO Vote By Greenville, S.C. County Council on Vaguely-Worded Resolution to Censor Childrens’ Books in Libraries
Jonathan Friedman, director of PEN America’s Free Expression and Education program, made the following comments: “If passed, this resolution would be an exercise in censorship--ordering the Greenville County Library System… More
PEN America Presents “Censored: Free Speech and Hollywood” Nov. 16 at Central Los Angeles Public Library
By reviewing legislation and court decisions, exploring blacklisted artists, and the opening up of representation in the late 20th century, the discussion will explore controversies around representing some themes… More
Removal of 327 Books with LGBTQ+ Themes by TN School District Is “Heartbreaking” Censorship
Jeremy C. Young, senior manager of free expression and education programs at PEN America, said in response to the news: “This is a heartbreaking case of administrative censorship and… More