Decision by University of Southern California to Bar Professor from Teaching This Semester for Anti-Hamas Remarks is a “Shocking Overreaction,” Says PEN America
“Totally barring a professor from campus because of a passing comment like this is a shocking overreaction. Regardless of Professor Strauss’s intent, he is entitled to his views and… More
Marietta, GA School Board Upholds Ban on Flamer, Book by Mike Curato
“In September, PEN America said this policy decision would lead to censorship - and we are disturbed to find that it has. While two parents were able to ban… More
Aleksandra Skochilenko Sentenced to 7 Years for Supermarket Art Project
Russian artist, musician and author Aleksandra (Sasha) Skochilenko was sentenced to seven years in prison today for “knowingly spreading false information about the Russian Armed Forces. More
PEN America Calls on Israeli Government to Rescind Inflammatory Rhetoric, Threats Against Palestinian Journalists
(NEW YORK)—PEN America called on the Israeli government today to immediately rescind inflammatory rhetoric and threats against freelance Palestinian photojournalists who supplied news agencies with images of Hamas’ unprecedented… More
Commemorating the Day of the Imprisoned Writer
Authoritarian governments instinctively fear writers because of their ability to inspire people to interrogate the present and dream of a better future. Instead of valuing the positive role writers… More
PEN America Names Katie Blankenship to New Position as Florida Director
“Katie is the proven leader and advocate we need to expand our effort to protect the freedoms to read and learn in Florida,” said PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel.… More
Global Pop Icon P!nk Teams Up with PEN America to Give Away 2,000 Banned Books at Florida Concerts
Pop icon Pink is teaming up with PEN America and Books & Books to give away 2,000 banned books at her upcoming concerts in Florida. More
PEN America Urges Texas School to Reverse Decision to Kick Trans Student Out of Lead Role in Musical Oklahoma!
“This is a cruel decision guided by a ‘criteria’ that the district admits is applied unevenly. It is yet another example of threats to free expression for LGBTQ+ students,… More
Deep Concern Over Arrest of Author Ahed Tamimi in West Bank, Reportedly Over Social Media Posts
We are deeply concerned about reports that she is being held in incommunicado detention without charge. Tamimi's detention on the basis of protected expression cannot be justified; we urge… More
New Report: Legislatures Introduce 110 Educational Gag Orders in 2023
“Censorship advocates have spent years trying to sabotage the teaching of ideas they don't like, and imposing their own views on our nation's students,” said PEN America’s Jeremy C.… More