Stanford Study: PEN America Workshops Significantly Improved Participants’ Digital Media Literacy Skills to Counter Disinformation
To counter that threat PEN America launched its Knowing the News media literacy program in 2020 to equip the public with the knowledge and skills to defend against disinformation.… More
University of Idaho Guidance on Near-Total Abortion Ban is a Chilling Example of Linked Threats to Free Expression
“The University of Idaho’s guidance to its staff is a chilling example of the threats that new, expansive restrictions on abortion rights pose to freedom of expression, and a… More
PEN America Responds to Questions Raised about Book Bans in the Central York, PA Schools
(NEW YORK)-- In response to questions raised about the banning of books in the Central York, PA school district, PEN America issued the following statement: In fall 2021, a list… More
Best-selling Author James Patterson Donates $2 Million to Help PEN America Raise its Reach, Voice, and Influence
PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said: “We are incredibly grateful to James Patterson for this catalytic gift which will help us increase our reach, voice and influence at a… More
PEN America Applauds Congressional Resolutions Condemning Book Bans and Affirming the Right to Free Expression in Schools
"Book bans are a blatant affront to free expression, the lifeblood of our democracy,” said Nadine Farid Johnson, managing director of PEN America Washington and Free Expression Programs. “Encroachments… More
Banned in the USA Q&A: Varian Johnson asks if book bans are meant to ‘keep a certain population of our country down’
For Banned Book Week, PEN America interviews Varian Johnson, author of The Parker Inheritance, which has been banned twice in the 2021-2022 school year. More
“Heckler’s Veto” Has No Place in Interrupting Speakers on College Campuses
(NEW YORK) -- Protestors at the University of New Mexico last week interrupted a speech by conservative commentator Tomi Lahren, who appeared at the invitation of conservative student group… More
Banned in the USA Q&A: Kyle Lukoff on the ‘desperate importance’ of fighting book bans
For Banned Book Week, PEN America interviews Kyle Lukoff, author of Call Me Max, which has been banned twice in the 2021-2022 school year. More
Banned in the USA Q&A: Ashley Hope Pérez on how book bans are failing our children
For Banned Book Week, PEN America interviews Ashley Hope Pérez, author of Out of Darkness, which has been banned 23 times in the 2021-2022 school year. More
Banned in the USA Q&A: Kalynn Bayron calls challenges ‘clearly homophobic’
For Banned Book Week, PEN America interviews Kaylnn Bayron, author of Cinderella is Dead, which has been banned at least three times in the 2021-2022 school year. More
Alert Us
Are you an artist at risk or know someone who is?
PEN America On 
One teacher's complaint means 116 books are now "Restricted" in all @ecpsfl libraries.
Authors affected include: @nhannahjones @DrIbram @IamGMJohnson @ashleyhopeperez @KyleLukoff @jodipicoult @SJMaas @lxgino @ShaunieDarko @JoKnowles & @MargaretAtwood
https://www.wkrg.com/northwest-florida/escambia-county/florida-teacher-wants-review-of-over-100-books-discussing-sexual-political-and-lgtbq-topics/
This thread.
It's never "just a book" and it's never just "banned" - it's a far reaching chilling of the critical work of K-12 educators.
It is wrong. And It's unAmerican. https://twitter.com/jonfreadom/status/1576231440815357955
Gov. @GavinNewsom signs law restricting the use of rap lyrics in criminal court cases in California.
@KillerMike @MeekMill @TooShort @tydollasign and several others all showed their support by attending a virtual signing of the legislation. #FreeSpeech https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-10-01/214578/california-gov-gavin-newsom-signs-law-restricting-the-use-of-rap-lyrics-as-evidence/