New Report Prescribes Peer Support to Help Journalists Targeted by Online Abuse
“Online abuse disproportionately impacts journalists who are people of color, women, LBGTQ+, and members of religious or ethnic minorities,” said Jeje Mohamed, coauthor of the report and PEN America’s… More
New PEN America Analysis Points to Cracks in Florida’s Censorship Campaign
Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America’s Florida office, said: “By continuing to pass bills that are a knife to the heart of our Constitutional protections, Florida lawmakers are not… More
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
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 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
New Book Examines Why Reading Matters in America’s Prisons and How Ordinary Citizens Can Make a Difference
The book is a collection of inspiring stories from the prison book movement and a guide for people who want to swell its ranks. 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
PEN America Warns of Likely Legal Challenges to Bill Putting Restrictions on Social Media Use by Young People
Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida, said: “Governor DeSantis has voiced concerns about this measure in the past, vetoing the first version of this bill, HB1. The changes… More