North Carolina Professor Dismissed After Secret Recording by University in His Classroom
“This case is positively Orwellian,” said Jonathan Friedman, Sy Sims director of U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America, “There has been no transparency whatsoever. It is particularly appalling… More
PEN America Signs Onto ACLS Statement on Campus Protests
“We are grateful for the opportunity to sign this ACLS statement. Preserving free expression on campus requires protecting the right to protest peacefully. Unfortunately, protecting this right has not… More
Proposed University of North Carolina Policy Change Would Chill Campus Speech, Says PEN America
Jeremy Young, Freedom to Learn program director at PEN America, wrote in the letter that while universities are free to adopt policies of institutional neutrality, UNC’s vague language and… More
Free Speech Organizations Criticize Florida Colleges and Universities’ Response to Student Protests
“Free expression, coupled with dissent and critical thinking, are fundamental pillars to higher education institutions. Especially during these moments, administrators must respond to student protests in a way that… More
Growing Reports of Use of Force Against Student Protests Are Deeply Alarming
While campus leaders have a responsibility for the safety of all on campus, threatening arrest and deploying police against peaceful protesters is a severe and drastic measure that in… More
PEN America: Passage of Teacher Training Bill by Florida Senate is a Giant Leap in the Wrong Direction
Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida, said: “HB 1291 is nothing but an educational gag order that muzzles professors on ideas and concepts at both public and private… More
Firing of Catholic U Lecturer Over Guest Speaker’s Abortion Comments Called “Punitive and Drastic”
Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager in PEN America’s Free Expression and Education program, said: “Firing a faculty member because of the speech of their guest is a gross violation of… More
Tenure Review for Former Chancellor of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse Who was Fired Should be Halted
Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager of free expression and education at PEN America, said: “Professors are allowed to have private lives – and private speech. While a Board of Regents… More
Bullying on DEI by WI Legislature Threatens Academic Freedom and Free Expression
Jeremy C. Young, Freedom to Learn program director at PEN America, said: “What happened in the Wisconsin system is partisan bullying at its worst. Strong-arming university regents into following… More
PEN America Responds to Rutgers University Decision to Suspend Pro-Palestinian Student Group
“There must be a high bar for suspending student groups for political activity, and without full transparency detailing what specific speech or conduct crossed the line, the students are… More