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.S. 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 Rashnu
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
Statement on the Death of Alexei Navalny
"PEN America mourns the cruel death of Alexei Navalny who embodied the spirit of a free Russia with a spine of steel, unremitting determination and a spirit of derring… More
Chinese Woman’s Rights Activist Li Qiaochu Convicted of Inciting Subversion
PEN America condemns the unjust conviction and sentencing of Chinese labor and women’s rights activist Li Qiaochu. Li, who is the partner of imprisoned activist, essayist, and PEN/Barbey Freedom… More
PEN America Urges Passage of Landmark Legislation Protecting Human Rights Defenders Abroad
“Human rights defenders work tirelessly to realize the promise of representative democracy and equal justice and serve as the conscience of their societies. They should not have to live… More