PEN America: U.S. Ban on TikTok Takes a “Sledgehammer” Approach to the Challenge of Security and Safety Concerns Online
“Banning TikTok establishes an alarming precedent for addressing legitimate privacy and security risks posed by social media platforms,” said Laura Schroeder, Congressional Affairs lead. “The House has taken a… More
Free Speech and Other Organizations Urge Florida Lawmakers to Oppose Bill Banning Youth from Social Media
We know social media sites can present significant risks to minors, but the state’s response to such risks should be tailored to minimize harm, not passing measures that violate… More
PEN America Urges University of Houston to Reschedule Talk by Artist Shahzia Sikander and Show Her Film
PEN America’s senior manager for Free Expression and Education, said: “Artistic freedom is not optional on college campuses. As a public university, the University of Houston has an obligation… 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
More than 50 Books Removed from Rockingham County, Virginia, Schools
PEN America sent a letter to Rockingham County, Virginia schools protesting its recent book bans. These are the books banned in Rockingham County. More
Florida Flag Law Would Chill Free Expression in Schools and Colleges, If Passed
In response to the bill, Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida, said: “This vague bill will chill personal and political expression in our K-12 schools and universities,” said… More
Even in Times of War, Art Must Not be Canceled
Amid rising antisemitism and anti-Muslim bigotry around the world, artists are facing intensified scrutiny for expressing their opinions, including on social media. In response, galleries and art institutions in… More
Yes, Florida Bans Books: Why Can’t Gov. Ron DeSantis Read His Own List?
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis claimed that book bans in his state were a “false narrative.” Don’t take our word for it that Florida bans books – take DeSantis’. 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
Banned Books Week 2023 Open Letter and Call to Action: We Believe in the Freedom to Read
For Banned Books Week 2023, PEN America and We Believe gathered a consortium of publishers and nonprofit organizations to rally behind the freedom to read with an open letter.… More