Illinois School District Board Withdraws from State Celebration of Children’s Literature Over Book on Racism and Antiracism
"The board's deliberations were plainly ideological,” said Jonathan Friedman, Sy Syms managing director, U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America. “This program is a wonderful opportunity for kids to… More
Letter to the Community from PEN America
PEN America's response to open letters received. More
PEN America Condemns Reported Assault and Arrest of Al Jazeera Correspondent by the Israeli Military
"Freedom of the press is essential during conflict when disinformation spreads more easily. Palestinian journalists have faced enormous challenges since October 7 and Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza… More
EveryLibrary and PEN America Oppose Proposed Huntington Beach, CA Ordinance for Community Review of Children’s Library Books
In a statement, the organizations said: “This proposed ordinance is nothing short of an effort to erect a censorship committee to police public access to literature. It has the… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended and Celebrated Free Expression The Week of March 11
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. More
PEN America Applauds Reintroduction of the Building Civic Bridges Act
“Free expression thrives best across difference,” said Laura Schroeder, Congressional Affairs lead at PEN America. “The Building Civic Bridges Act’s support of community-based organizations at the forefront of repairing… More
PEN America Helps Win Victories Against Censorship in Florida’s 2024 Legislative Session
PEN America had a direct hand in making sure several Florida “culture war” bills failed without becoming law, keeping censorship from infringing on free speech and free expression. More
PEN America: U.S. Ban on TikTok Takes a “Sledgehammer” Approach to the Challenge of Security and Safety Concerns Online
“Banning TikTok establishes an alarming precedent for addressing legitimate privacy and security risks posed by social media platforms,” said Laura Schroeder, Congressional Affairs lead. “The House has taken a… More
Settlement Allows Teachers to Discuss Sexual Orientation in Florida Classrooms
“This is a step in the right direction, but the fight against this dangerous law continues-- learning about diverse families should not be off-limits in Florida schools,” said Katie… More
Censorship Proposals Largely Fail in the Florida Legislature
“Floridians fought hard for these victories. This is the product of parents, students, teachers, grassroots organizations, and legislators deciding that Florida has had enough state censorship." More