(New York) PEN America welcomes yesterday’s forceful ruling in AAUP v. Rubio, holding that non-citizens lawfully present in the United States have the same First Amendment rights to freedom of speech as American citizens. The opinion issued by Judge William G. Young stated clearly that the federal government violated the First Amendment when it targeted international students and faculty–subjecting them to arrest, detention, and potential deportation–for their constitutionally protected speech, specifically pro-Palestinian advocacy.
“This clear and categorical decision in AAUP v. Rubio is a powerful affirmation of the centrality of freedom of speech to our democracy. At a moment when immigrants’ rights and First Amendment freedoms are in peril, this decision is a significant blow to the Trump administration’s continued attempt to distort and disregard fundamental First Amendment freedoms to silence dissent and chill speech,” said Elly Brinkley, staff attorney at PEN America. “Judge Young couldn’t have been clearer: This is a victory for free speech for all, and a reminder of our responsibility to protect that right.”
PEN America joined the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration as one of 86 organizations to file an amicus brief supporting the AAUP and other plaintiffs in this case, arguing that the federal government’s actions have created a profound chilling effect on college and university campuses.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Malka Margolies, [email protected], 718-530-3582