Press Releases
PEN America experts are available for interviews with the press. Please direct inquiries to Suzanne Trimel, Senior Advisor, Communications and Media, at [email protected].
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Champions of Free and Creative Expression Join PEN America in Tribute to Music Icon Paul Simon and Wall Street Journal Publisher Almar Latour at Annual NYC Literary Gala
Paul Simon said: “We've learned that the cause we are supporting tonight -- PEN's valid commitment to protect writers everywhere from censorship, coercion and imprisonment -- is more urgently… More
PEN America Signs Onto ACLS Statement on Campus Protests
“We are grateful for the opportunity to sign this ACLS statement. Preserving free expression on campus requires protecting the right to protest peacefully. Unfortunately, protecting this right has not… More
Proposed University of North Carolina Policy Change Would Chill Campus Speech, Says PEN America
Jeremy Young, Freedom to Learn program director at PEN America, wrote in the letter that while universities are free to adopt policies of institutional neutrality, UNC’s vague language and… More
Authorities Must Stop Harassment and Arbitrary Detention of Writers and Artists
Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) expresses concern over the increasing use of detentions, threats, and summonses by Cuban authorities against writers, journalists, and artists. More
PEN America Signs Onto Historical Association Statement Voicing Concern Over Use of Force Against Campus Protesters
“We are pleased to sign on to the American Historical Association's statement about recent campus protests. We echo their concerns about use of force against peaceful protesters and their… More
Iran Second Largest Jailer of Writers Worldwide, According to 2023 Freedom to Write Index
Iran remained the leading jailer of female writers globally, many for their advocacy against mandatory hijab More
Free Speech Organizations Criticize Florida Colleges and Universities’ Response to Student Protests
“Free expression, coupled with dissent and critical thinking, are fundamental pillars to higher education institutions. Especially during these moments, administrators must respond to student protests in a way that… More
PEN America: Request by Columbia U President for NYPD to Remain on Campus Through May 17 is Alarming
"We are further disturbed by reports that press access to campus was limited during the arrests at Hamilton Hall and by allegations that student reporters were threatened with arrest.… More
Bill Intended to Combat Antisemitism Could Also Undermine Free Speech, Academic Freedom and Legitimate Political Discourse
Combating antisemitic speech and bigotry is an urgent imperative and one that PEN America seeks. In light of the significant rise in antisemitic incidents around the country, the goal… More
PEN America Mourns the Death of ‘Writer’s Writer’ Paul Auster
PEN America mourns the death of prolific author and longtime friend of PEN Paul Auster, who died on Tuesday at age 77. More