“Unfortunate” Development for Academic Freedom, as Arizona State University Center Closes After Donor Withdraws Funding
PEN America’s director of Free Expression and Education Jonathan Friedman said in response: “The loss of the Lewis Center is an unfortunate outcome for academic freedom at ASU. It’s… More
PEN America’s Writers in the Schools Committee
Through PEN America's Writers in the Schools program, chaired by James Traub, about 20 writers volunteer to work in under-resourced schools in New York City. More
PEN America Rejects Move by Huntington Beach, CA Government to Consider a Legal Study to Restrict Books from Minors
Elana K Arnold, one of the most frequently banned authors in the country in the first half of this school year, spoke, urging a rejection of the proposal. “When… More
Missouri School Board’s Decision to Retain Maus is a Positive Move But Removing Six Other Books is Unfortunate, Says PEN America
“While Maus will thankfully remain on bookshelves, there is no reasonable basis for blocking student access to the other six books. These new bans are an unfortunate – and… More
PEN America Calls for Dismissal of Lawsuit that Seeks to Silence Disinformation Researchers
“This lawsuit is a calculated attempt to silence academic research and chill advocacy combating disinformation,” said Kate Ruane, director of U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America. “Despite the… More
Proposal to Restrict Some Books Deemed “Obscene” from Minors in Huntington Beach, CA Is “Nothing Short of Censorship,” Says PEN America
Allison Lee, PEN America’s Los Angeles director, said: “Government officials weighing in on the minutiae of library collection management is nothing short of censorship. What Van Der Mark is… More
“Misguided and Chilling” Decision by CA School Board to Fire Superintendent, Following Removal of Textbook Over Inclusion of LGBTQ+ Rights History, Says PEN America
Allison Lee, director of PEN America’s Los Angeles office, made the following comments: “By firing Dr. McClay, the Temecula board has sent a chilling message to the ranks of teachers… More
PEN America, in Partnership with The Bare Life Review Journal, Announces $5000 Grants to Support Works in Progress by Immigrant and Refugee Writers
We have long admired the work of The Bare Life Review and are deeply honored to have this opportunity to support the work of immigrant and refugee writers. We… More
6/22 Miami Screening of No Straight Lines Film–About Five Influential Queer Comic Book Artists—in Pride Month Celebration Hosted by PEN Across America and Artists at Risk Connection
The screening will be followed by a talkback moderated by acclaimed film critic and arts programmer Juan Barquin, featuring the film’s director Vivian Kleiman and comic book creator and… More
Twelve PEN America 2023 Emerging Voices Fellows Selected from Largest Applicant Pool Ever for Third Consecutive Year
Jared Jackson, director, Literary Programs and Emerging Voices, said: “This year’s amazing cohort of fellows explore issues and ideas including disability, acceptance, immigration, resistance, sex, gender, colonialism, industrialization, surveillance,… More