Firing of Adjunct Instructor at DePaul University Over Use of Words About Palestine Violates Academic Freedom
Kristen Shahverdian, program director for campus free speech at PEN America, said: “This is a clear cut violation of academic freedom. Adjunct faculty should enjoy the same freedoms as… More
Disproportionate Use of Force Against Peaceful Student Protesters in Florida Cannot Stand, Coalition Says
Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida, said: “Student protests on Florida campuses have rarely been met with this level of unnecessary hostility and violence. Even when it involves… More
PEN America: USC Decision to Cancel Valedictorian’s Graduation Speech Amounts to “Heckler’s Veto”
PEN America’s Kristen Shahverdian, program director for Campus Free Speech, said: “This amounts to a heckler’s veto – this student should have been given the opportunity to give the… More
Banning Al Jazeera is a Clear Violation of Free Expression and Press Freedom
"The Israeli government’s decision to shut down Al Jazeera’s operation in Israel is a clear violation of press freedom." More
PEN America Condemns Reported Assault and Arrest of Al Jazeera Correspondent by the Israeli Military
"Freedom of the press is essential during conflict when disinformation spreads more easily. Palestinian journalists have faced enormous challenges since October 7 and Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza… More
PEN America Mourns the Death of Palestinian Scholar-Writer Refaat Alareer
“Through his writing, Refaat Alareer sought to shine a light on life in Gaza. He wanted the world to know the stories of how ordinary Palestinians lived and loved,… More