PEN America: With Resignation of Liz Magill at UPenn, Higher Ed Should Recommit Both to Rejecting Bigotry While Insuring Free Speech Can Thrive
"We have long stressed the importance of the university using its institutional voice to denounce denigration and dehumanization and stand in solidarity with those targeted by hatred. Doing so… More
PEN America: Calls for Genocide Have No Place in Reasoned Campus DIscourse
“Calls for genocide have no place in reasoned discourse. But, abhorrent as such a hypothetical may be, the First Amendment’s protections for speech extend even to deeply hateful speech,… More
PEN America Remains Concerned Over Academic Freedom at University of Arizona, Related to Suspension of Two Instructors, Despite Their Reinstatement
“We are relieved to see that the instructors have been reinstated, but we remain concerned that they will be unable to finish teaching their course this semester. It is… More
Cancelled Film on Israel Deprives a NY Campus of Important Conversation Amid Crisis
“The decision to cancel this film is totally antithetical to the principles of free expression and academic freedom to which Hunter College must adhere. At this moment of heightened… More
Decision by University of Southern California to Bar Professor from Teaching This Semester for Anti-Hamas Remarks is a “Shocking Overreaction,” Says PEN America
“Totally barring a professor from campus because of a passing comment like this is a shocking overreaction. Regardless of Professor Strauss’s intent, he is entitled to his views and… More
Brandeis U Revokes Recognition of Student Palestine Group Without Citing Any Violations of Policies
“Private universities ought to uphold robust protections for students’ free expression and association. Even if they are not subject to the First Amendment, private universities like Brandeis have rightfully… More
Ending Gender Studies at Florida’s New College Is a “Repressive Act,” Echoing Hungary’s Viktor Orban
Jeremy C. Young, Freedom to Learn program director at PEN America, said: “The New College board’s abolition of gender studies is a repressive act that echoes the actions of… More
“Blatantly Inappropriate Investigation” of Texas A&M Professor After She Criticized the Lieutenant Governor
Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager in PEN America’s Free Expression and Education program, said: “This blatantly inappropriate investigation is a frightening example of how precarious academic freedom is becoming on… More
In Aftermath of Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action, Higher Ed Must Continue to Value and Support Diversity
“The mission of the university is best served by a diversity of views, experiences, and identities. To the extent that the Court’s decision weakens the ability of colleges and… More
Student Policy at University of Buffalo Restricting Recognition of Certain Groups is Short Sighted and Shows the Ripple Effects of Censorship, Says PEN America
Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager of Free Expression and Education at PEN America, said in response: “This ruling is not only concerning as a form of retaliation against conservative students;… More