(NEW YORK) — Today, PEN America announces A Pledge to Our Democracy–a powerful call-to-action endorsed by more than 100 former college and university presidents and chancellors representing all sectors of higher education, from research universities to community colleges, regional comprehensives, and HBCUs. Authored by the Champions of Higher Education, the Pledge calls for a united response to the rising authoritarian threats to American society:
“We pledge to work together, rising above party affiliations to join with state and local leaders, students, labor unions, and communities, forming the broadest possible coalition to work against authoritarianism. We call on you to join us in this pledge. We all need to stand up and be counted, or be remembered as those who lost democracy to an autocrat.”
Jonathan Friedman, Sy Syms Managing Director of U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America, said: “As we witness efforts to impose ideological control on the circulation of ideas, the dismantling of federal agencies, debilitating cuts to medical and scientific research, and violations of basic liberties and the rule of law, we need more leaders to speak up for the values, traditions, and structures that form the bedrock of American civic culture. These higher education leaders understand what’s at stake right now, with the political independence of institutions at risk, and our democracy in jeopardy. PEN America is proud to support this Pledge which aims to rally the willing against autocracy and tyranny.”
“We have been encouraged by the growing number of voices saying no to the administration’s bullying, from those who are mounting legal challenges, to groups of faculty, administrators and universities, including Harvard, and even states such as New York and Maine,” added Amy Reid, Freedom to Learn interim program director at PEN America. “The Champions–who’ve spent decades supporting learners of all kinds and advancing higher education’s public mission–are ready to build the coalition needed to meet this moment.”
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