Executive Order on “Free Inquiry, Transparency, and Accountability” at Colleges Risks Chilling More Speech Than it Protects
"We are concerned that this Order is intended as a shot across the bow, putting researchers, faculty, and university administrators on notice that speech will now be monitored by the… More
Including Language from Anti-Semitism Awareness Act in Government Spending Bill a Misguided Approach to Fighting Hate on Campus
"In the face of a recent surge of anti-Semitism on campuses, lawmakers rightly feel compelled to stand firmly against anti-Semitism, as well as other forms of hateful speech. Adopting this definition of… More
Removal of Art Exhibit at Mary Baldwin Represents a Failure to Stand Up for Free Expression
“Mary Baldwin's decision to host a listening session with students is the right idea; but they could have done so while also staunchly defending the artists' rights and the… More
L.A. City Council Resolution Calling for Cancellation of UCLA Conference Risks Infringing on Free Speech
“This means the officials involved are either uninformed about the protections afforded by the First Amendment, or they have simply chosen to ignore them. While there may be legitimate… More
Tepid Response to Attacks on Professor Raise Concerns for Academic Freedom at Sarah Lawrence
“President Judd’s eventual statement hit all the right notes, but it should not have taken so long. Abrams’s op-eds fall squarely under his right to academic freedom and free expression."… More
Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Decision to Ask NYU to Postpone Milo Yiannopoulos Talk a Misjudgment and Overreaction
“In forcibly postponing an invitation to Milo Yiannopoulos to speak to a writing class at NYU, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and the university have overreacted, giving… More
Rutgers’ Cancellation of Journalist Lisa Daftari’s Speech an Ill-Considered Response to Student Demands
While some of Daftari’s past speeches included comments about ISIS and Islam to which some at Rutgers objected, the university should have allowed those concerns to be aired without… More
PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel’s Statement on First Amendment Rights on Campus
We at PEN America work extensively on issues related to campus speech, and have long expressed concern with growing attacks on inclusiveness, diversity, and tolerance in higher education. More