Scholars in California Should be Allowed to Testify in Covid Learning Loss Case, Says PEN America
PEN America’s Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager of free expression and education, said: “What the state of California is doing to these researchers is censorship. When the state interferes with… More
New PEN America Report Warns Against Canceling Books Due to Outrage
In the report, PEN America cautions publishers against giving in to newly-drawn lines that restrict the space for the writer’s prerogative to imagine and create literature: “It is imperative… More
PEN America Mourns the Death of Bloomsbury USA President Adrienne Vaughan
"Adrienne Vaughan lent her extraordinary talent, passion and persistence to the cause of free expression and the freedom to read. Beyond her impressive publishing talents working with writers, she… More
PEN America: “Appalling” and “Dangerous” Move by Florida to Cut AP Psychology Course
Freedom to Read Program Director Kasey Meehan said: “It is appalling but not surprising that Florida would attempt to gut a critical curriculum just weeks before school begins. This… More
Hundreds of Books Targeted for Removal in Iowa School District Over New ‘Age Appropriate” Law
“Our letter to Urbandale Community School District signals to district leaders and others across the state that ‘broad interpretations’ of vague laws threaten the freedom to read for students… More
PEN America: Trump’s Lawyers’ First Amendment Assertions on Indictment Are “Bogus” and “Readily Debunked”
“Donald Trump's legal team's assertion of a First Amendment defense to four charges of felony conspiracy, including to defraud the United States and obstruct an official proceeding is as bogus… More
PEN America Publishes Fifth DREAMing Out Loud Anthology: Original Essays, Poems, Short Stories, Plays From Migrant Authors in New York City
“These are voices that deserve to be recognized, championed, and taken into our hearts,” said Jared Jackson, director of Literary Programs and Emerging Voices. “Their stories are unique and… More
New PEN America White Paper: The Human Spark That Drives Creativity Must be Safeguarded As Potential Threats Loom from Artificial Intelligence
“Generative AI and automated tools represent a sea change in how artists, journalists, and writers create, interact with, and disseminate content, and how the public understands and consumes it.… More
PEN America: Bill Intended to Protect Children Online Would Likely Block Them From Information They Need, Especially on Health and Wellness Concerns
"Platforms would almost certainly choose to over-filter content rather than not—and some platforms might move to prohibit access to minors completely. If the Kids Online Safety Act is passed,… More
PEN America: “Disturbing” Decision to Take Away 28 School Libraries in Houston
“To remove libraries and librarians under the guise of “transformation” is shocking and disturbing,” said Kasey Meehan, Program Director for Freedom to Read at PEN America. “School libraries and… More