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 Signs Onto ACLS Statement on Campus Protests
“We are grateful for the opportunity to sign this ACLS statement. Preserving free expression on campus requires protecting the right to protest peacefully. Unfortunately, protecting this right has not… More
Proposed University of North Carolina Policy Change Would Chill Campus Speech, Says PEN America
Jeremy Young, Freedom to Learn program director at PEN America, wrote in the letter that while universities are free to adopt policies of institutional neutrality, UNC’s vague language and… More
PEN America Signs Onto Historical Association Statement Voicing Concern Over Use of Force Against Campus Protesters
“We are pleased to sign on to the American Historical Association's statement about recent campus protests. We echo their concerns about use of force against peaceful protesters and their… More
Free Speech Organizations Criticize Florida Colleges and Universities’ Response to Student Protests
“Free expression, coupled with dissent and critical thinking, are fundamental pillars to higher education institutions. Especially during these moments, administrators must respond to student protests in a way that… More
Growing Reports of Use of Force Against Student Protests Are Deeply Alarming
While campus leaders have a responsibility for the safety of all on campus, threatening arrest and deploying police against peaceful protesters is a severe and drastic measure that in… More
Statement by PEN America on Campus Protests
As campuses continue to see growing student mobilization, we call on campus administrators to uphold their obligations to safeguard peaceful protest and free expression; protect students from harassment and… More
The Wrong Way to Fight Campus Antisemitism
PEN America is gravely concerned that lawmakers are putting forth ill-considered proposals regarding antisemitism that would restrict the protected speech of students and faculty. 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