Calls by Lawmakers to Disband LGBTQ Studies and Remove “Critical Race Theory” at Texas A & M
Jeremy C. Young, Freedom to Learn program director at PEN America, said in response: “This level of ideological meddling into the affairs of a university by politicians is frightening.… More
Coalition of 20 Groups Press Lawmakers to Reject Florida Teacher Training Bill
“This bill is as dystopian as the original Stop WOKE Act, and would undermine teacher training across key classroom topics, from history and literature to social studies and current… More
PEN America Condemns Unjust Jailing of Memorial Co-Chair for Article Criticizing Russia’s Military
Prominent human rights defender Oleg Orlov, co-chair of Memorial, the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize laureate found guilty on charges of “repeatedly discrediting” the Russian military and sentenced to 2.5… More
Social Media Content Moderation Laws ‘Strike at the Heart of the First Amendment’
PEN America said two laws being challenged before the Supreme Court are unconstitutional and seek to control public discourse much in the same way that book bans, educational gag… More
Art and Culture in Ukraine on the Second Anniversary of Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion
PEN America’s Freedom to Writer Center and Artists at Risk Connection remain firmly committed to supporting Ukrainian artists, writers, and other culture professionals. More
Firing of Catholic U Lecturer Over Guest Speaker’s Abortion Comments Called “Punitive and Drastic”
Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager in PEN America’s Free Expression and Education program, said: “Firing a faculty member because of the speech of their guest is a gross violation of… More
U.K. Pursuit of Assange on Espionage Charges Continues to Pose a Threat to Press Freedom
"The risk that Julian Assange could face charges in the U.S. under the Espionage Act continues to pose an alarming threat to press freedom. These charges encompass work that is… More
Prohibition of LGBTQ+ Books by Alabama Library Makes a “Mockery” of Free Expression
“The Autauga-Prattville Public Library’s newly appointed board is making a mockery of freedom of expression,” said Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America. “We are alarmed… More
PEN America Strongly Denounces Imprisonment of Sepideh Rashno
PEN America strongly denounces the sentencing of Sepideh Rashno, a young Iranian writer, poet, and vocal critic of the country’s mandatory hijab law. More
PEN America Response to Free Speech Bill Pending in Israeli Knesset
Israeli lawmakers must step back from broadening an already concerning campaign against free expression in Israel. More