PEN America Files Lawsuit Against Florida School District Over Unconstitutional Book Bans
“Children in a democracy must not be taught that books are dangerous. The freedom to read is guaranteed by the constitution,” said Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America. “In… More
“Breathtaking” Ohio Bill Would “Mandate” Censorship in State Universities and Colleges, Says PEN America
“SB 83 would not only legalize censorship in Ohio’s public universities, but would mandate it,” said Jeremy C. Young, Freedom to Learn program director. “SB 83 is the longest… More
Shut Down of Environmental Blog at U of Iowa After Lawmakers Reportedly Complained About It is “Profoundly Alarming,” Says PEN America
It is nothing short of a tragedy that Jones’ blog has been shut down for political reasons. More
Outdoor Art Installation 5/11 and 5/13 in NYC Draws Attention to Crisis of Book Bans in Public Schools
Across the United States, local and state initiatives are regulating what can and cannot be taught to students. School boards are limiting students' access to books, and elected leaders… More
Student Decision to Prevent Speaker from On-Campus Talk in Spokane is Disappointing, Especially in Light of Historic Levels of Education Censorship, Says PEN America
A fear that the speech will offend some listeners cannot be the bar by which invitations to speakers are denied on campuses. More
PEN America: Removal of Art Exhibit on Florida Campus Shows the State Again Exerting Control over Free Expression
In response to the removal, PEN America’s senior manager of free expression and education Kristen Shahverdian, said: “It’s disappointing to see yet another removal of art on a Florida… More
New Report: 28% Rise in School Book Bans Over First Half of 2022-23 School Year
“The heavy-handed tactics of state legislators are mandating book bans, plain and simple,” said Suzanne Nossel, Chief Executive Officer of PEN America. “Some politicians like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis… More
118 Former Higher Education Presidents Launch Initiative to Combat Educational Censorship
“College campuses are the essential training grounds where the next generation is equipped with the tools to inhabit, strengthen and sustain our democracy,” said Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN… More
India Rewrites its Past in School Textbooks to Suit Ruling Party’s Worldview
“The Modi government’s educational censorship via the rewriting of school textbooks is alarming,” said Nadine Farid Johnson, Managing Director of PEN America Washington and Free Expression Programs. “Coming on… More
PEN America: Suspension of Wayne State University Professor for Social Media Post a “Blatant Overreaction”
Jonathan Friedman, director of free expression and education at PEN America, released the following statement: “The choice to suspend Shaviro and report his social media post to police is a… More