Free Expression and Education
PEN America’s free expression and education program works with schools to ensure robust protections for freedom of speech are balanced with advancements in diversity and inclusion. More
The PEN Pod: On Belarus, Hong Kong, and Free Speech Rights for Students
“We’ve come to recognize how vitally important it is to educated young people on free speech rights, and that isn’t being systematically done.” More
The PEN Pod: On Iran, Digital Sovereignty, and Divisive Topics on Campus
“[There’s a hypocrisy of] purporting to be a champion of free speech on campus. . . and at the same time, trying to pass a bill stating that certain… More
The PEN Pod: On Threats to Journalists, Information Ecosystems, and Critical Race Theory
“The gag order—what it illustrates is just the breadth and the power that the Justice Department has had to silence and stifle inquiry.” More
The PEN Pod: On Conflicts of Interest between Free Expression and Powerful Institutions with Suzanne Nossel
“The most heartening piece of it is that the people of Myanmar, who for so many years lived under such brutal repression. . . They’re incredibly brave to take… More
Discriminatory LGBTQIA+ Education Bill in Tennessee is Attempt to Silence Truth
"This bill is an appalling assault on freedom of expression at its most basic level—the freedom to represent the truth of human existence." More
The PEN Pod: Empowering Youth to Use Their Voices with Jessica Bohrer
“We’re trying to really give the message that everyone has a voice, and there are so many ways to use that voice, and we want them to feel empowered.” More
Attempts to Ban 1619 Project From Schools “Shameful”
“These attempts to ban schools from exploring the complexities and uncomfortable truths of American history—including slavery and racism—are shameful.” More
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