South Carolina Cancels Funding, College Credit for AP African American Studies in High Schools
“This irresponsible decision cannot be separated from a national context in which Black history is under attack,” said Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America. “Amid… More
New Coalition Demands Immediate Release of Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi
The Free Narges Coalition is launching following a June 8 court hearing in a new case against Mohammadi that could further lengthen her prison sentence. More
Alarm Over Attacks on Journalists in Jerusalem Day Flag March in Israel
"PEN America is deeply alarmed by the attacks on Palestinian and Israeli journalists covering the Jerusalem Day flag march. We call on Israeli authorities to hold those responsible for… More
Firing of Adjunct Instructor at DePaul University Over Use of Words About Palestine Violates Academic Freedom
Kristen Shahverdian, program director for campus free speech at PEN America, said: “This is a clear cut violation of academic freedom. Adjunct faculty should enjoy the same freedoms as… More
Georgia’s New Foreign Agent Law Puts Right to Dissent at Risk
Georgia’s new foreign agent bill, signed into law on Monday despite prolonged and passionate public outcry and a presidential veto, threatens writers, artists, and other cultural workers who express… More
Major Writers for Children and Young Adults Among Over 380 Authors Calling on South Carolina Lawmakers to Reject Restrictions to Evaluate Books in Public Schools
Along with publishers Hachette Book Group, MacMillan, and Penguin Random House, signers include ACLU of South Carolina, Authors Against Book Bans, Every Library, National Coalition Against Censorship, National Women’s… More
PEN America Alarmed by Images of Israeli Soldiers with Burning Books
PEN America is outraged by images of an Israeli soldier setting fire to books in a library in Gaza. More
Disproportionate Use of Force Against Peaceful Student Protesters in Florida Cannot Stand, Coalition Says
Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida, said: “Student protests on Florida campuses have rarely been met with this level of unnecessary hostility and violence. Even when it involves… More
PEN America Urges Türkiye to Withdraw Foreign Agents Law from Consideration
Pro-government media outlets have reported that the bill, which will soon be formally introduced in parliament for debate, will expand the definition of espionage to include influencing public opinion. More
Alarm Expressed Over Interrogation of Israeli Scholar at Detroit Airport
PEN America is alarmed by Israeli scholar Ilan Pappe's account of being detained and questioned by U.S. border guards. More