PEN America: Postponement of Mesa Az. Art Exhibit Due to City’s Objection Over Shepherd Fairey Work Sets Up a “Chilling Precedent”
The postponement of an exhibition in Mesa, AZ at the direction of city officials who objected to a piece by Shepherd Fairey sets up a “chilling precedent." More
PEN America: Trump’s Lawyers’ First Amendment Assertions on Indictment Are “Bogus” and “Readily Debunked”
“Donald Trump's legal team's assertion of a First Amendment defense to four charges of felony conspiracy, including to defraud the United States and obstruct an official proceeding is as bogus… More
PEN America and 3 Other Free Speech Groups File Amicus Brief in 1st Amendment Herndon v. Netflix Case
Kate Ruane, Sy Syms director of the U.S. Free Expression programs at PEN America, said: “Understandably it is difficult to adhere to principles when faced with a tragedy like… More
New Report: 2,500+ Book Bans Across 32 States During 2021-22 School Year
“While we think of book bans as the work of individual concerned citizens, our report demonstrates that today's wave of bans represents a coordinated campaign to banish books being… More
Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill: Vindictive and Brazen Move to Halt Progress Toward Inclusion
PEN America calls Florida "Don't Say Gay" bill a brazen and vindictive effort to halt progress toward a more inclusive society. More
PEN America Reacts to Julian Assange Extradition Decision
“The relentless pursuit of charges against Julian Assange by the Department of Justice continues to pose a significant threat to press freedom globally.” More
PEN America Finds Surge in Anti-Protest Bills as State Legislators Escalate First Amendment Crackdown
State lawmakers across the country have accelerated their crackdown on constitutionally-protected protests, proposing a wave of legislation over the past year that would heap fines, fees, and criminal penalties… More
Student Activist Arrested After Reading Poem Wins Key First Amendment Victory
"The victory for Mr. Bello is a victory for anyone who may hope to use their words to propel social change.” More
Kenosha Authorities Must Commit to Protecting Protesters
PEN America is calling for public authorities in Kenosha, WI to ensure protesters are safe and protected in the wake of Tuesday night's fatal shooting and the arrest of… More
PEN America Signs Letter Condemning Federal Law Enforcement Targeting Protesters
"The peaceful exercise of one's First Amendment rights, on any side of the political spectrum should never be met with the government targeting them." More