(WASHINGTON)— In response to the detention of Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil last night, PEN America issued the following statement:
“The rounding up and detention of a Columbia University student protest leader by federal agents raises serious free expression concerns. This escalation is the latest move in a string of actions meant to quash activism around the war in Gaza, but it also represents a slippery slope that could lead to the targeting of more activists on a range of issues. PEN America condemns in the strongest terms any attempt to chill dissent and Constitutionally-protected free speech.”
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]