In Higher Education, New Educational Gag Orders Would Exert Unprecedented Control Over College Teaching
In 2022, educational gag orders are being aimed squarely at colleges and universities to exert ideological control over what is being taught and read in classrooms. More
PEN America Decries Cancellation of Scholar’s Lecture at MIT
An upcoming talk by University of Chicago professor Dorian Abbot has reportedly been cancelled by the chair of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences department. More
Joint Statement on Legislative Efforts to Restrict Education about Racism and American History
PEN America joins higher education groups in opposing legislation that seeks to ban discussions of racism and related issues in American history in schools. More
Cancellation of Angela Davis Event Alarming, Profoundly Disappointing
Students at Butler University in Indiana allege that an event featuring Angela Davis, which was to take place this week, was abruptly cancelled by university administrators. More
Abrupt Cancellation of Ethics Course at Boise State “Unfathomable”
Boise State University this week informed 1,300 students that it was immediately suspending all 52 sections of a general education course on ethics and diversity. More
Open Letter to the President of East Tennessee State University
We write to share our concerns for the First Amendment rights of members of the East Tennessee State University (ETSU) men’s basketball team. More
PEN America Says Dismissal of University of Mississippi Scholar Raises Serious Questions
“This summary dismissal appears an extreme reaction to the facts at hand, raising serious questions and concerns about academic freedom at the University of Mississippi." More
University of Dallas Tables Effort to Form Racial Justice Group
"That some people consider the topics 'divisive' is hardly sufficient justification to deny students their right to assembly and association." More
Zoom Disallows Webinar Featuring Controversial Speaker
"There are good reasons why our telephone companies and internet providers do not act as message police, allowing access to their platforms only for those whose messages are pre-approved." More
Texas University Calls on State AG to Investigate Professor’s Speech
“While Professor Jun’s Facebook comment may sound extreme when read literally, this is clearly an instance of extramural political commentary—protected speech for which Jun should certainly not face a… More