Muslim Ban 3.0 Halted for Same Reasons as 2.0
The social value of culture comes from its ability to break down barriers of nationality and religion, to show our shared humanity. Today’s rulings reflect exactly that. More
President’s Empty Threat Against Broadcast Licenses Still Troubling, Press Groups Say
If the First Amendment means anything, it’s that the government can’t censor critical news. The president should be working to uphold the First Amendment. More
Suspension of Jemele Hill After White House Pressure Sets Concerning Precedent for Critical Expression
PEN America regrets ESPN's decision to suspend commentator Jemele Hill over her tweets regarding responses to NFL players' protests. More
Artistic Goods and Services Cannot be Used to Override Non-Discrimination Obligations
As a literary organization, we are acutely sensitive to infringements on artistic freedom. We are also cognizant of the central role that anti-discrimination laws play in ensuring that our… More
Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Free Speech on College Campuses
We take issue with Attorney General Jeff Sessions for his cursory acknowledgment of serious concerns that have arisen on campus with respect to incidents of hate speech and hate crimes. More
Citing Threats of Violence, Guggenheim Removes Works from Upcoming Exhibition
NEW YORK—In response to the Guggenheim's decision to remove works from an upcoming exhibition, citing threats of violence, PEN America Executive Director Suzanne Nossel released the following statement: "While vigorous… More
Upholding Freedom of Speech and the Right to Peaceful Protest at UC Berkeley
Free speech movement leader Mario Savio would have been proud of his alma mater tonight. UC Berkeley wins great credit for enabling conservative commentator Ben Shapiro to speak, allowing… More
Trump Administration Targets Critics in DOJ Search Warrant for Visitors to Protest Website
Reports that the Justice Department served a warrant on an internet company, demanding it turn over records that could be used to identify more than a million visitors to… More
Protecting Free Speech Rights of White Nationalist Protests in Charlottesville Does Not Require Us to Stay Silent
When the only way to ensure public safety is to shut down speech, all sides lose. More
Israel Anti-Boycott Bill Runs Afoul of First Amendment
WASHINGTON – The “Israel Anti-Boycott Act,” currently pending in both chambers of Congress, raises significant First Amendment concerns and must be revised, PEN America said today. As written, the… More
