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].
At a time of unprecedented attacks against the free press, PEN America Members are taking action. Join us today.
PEN America: Sweeping Ban on Drag Performances in Montana In Effect Criminalizes a Wide Range of Artistic Choices
Jonathan Friedman, director of PEN America’s Free Expression and Education Programs, said: “In their effort to censor drag and LGBTQ+ expression, Montana legislators have enacted a law that is… More
Statement Signed by 57 PEN Centers Worldwide Calls for Release of Chinese Writer and Journalist Dong Yuyu
“We believe that Dong Yuyu is being unjustly detained in reprisal for his writing and interacting with foreign nationals to help inform his global views, in violation of his… More
Florida School District Pulls Amanda Gorman’s Widely-Praised “The Hill We Climb” from Library
“The Hill We Climb was widely praised after Amanda Gorman read it at President Biden’s inauguration. Today, access to the book has been limited for elementary students at a… More
PEN American Mourns the Passing of Author Martin Amis, a Devoted Member and Supporter
Nested in a community of fellow luminaries who were his peers and longtime friends, he helped animate the best of writerly New York and its atmosphere of candor, debate… More
PEN America Applauds Supreme Court Rulings to Protect Free Expression Online
Liz Woolery, PEN America’s digital policy lead, said: “The Supreme Court got it right today, issuing twin decisions that protect the right to free expression on the internet. As… More
PEN America Honors Salman Rushdie with Centenary Courage Award at Literary Gala; Author’s First Public Appearance Since Being Wounded in Knife Attack Nine Months Ago
It was an emotional return to the stage for Salman Rushdie, who for decades has been a tireless defender of persecuted writers and the freedom to write while himself… More
PEN America Responds to Defunding of Kinsey Institute as Another “Alarming Step” in Effort to Exert Political Control over Higher Education
Jeremy C. Young, Freedom to Learn program director, said: “This decision should alarm anyone who cares about the integrity of higher education. It is horrifying that the Indiana legislature… More
PEN America and PEN International Denounce Book Removals From Hong Kong’s Public Libraries
“We have been following with alarm the ongoing removal of books from Hong Kong’s public library system. The right to access literature with a diversity of thought and opinion… More
PEN America Files Lawsuit Against Florida School District Over Unconstitutional Book Bans
“Children in a democracy must not be taught that books are dangerous. The freedom to read is guaranteed by the constitution,” said Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America. “In… More
PEN America Raises Concerns Over Free Expression and Free Press Protections Ahead of Runoff Elections in Türkiye
(NEW YORK) – With the first round of voting in Turkish elections concluded and ahead of an expected runoff May 28, PEN America calls on Turkish authorities to release… More
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