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.
Anti-Censorship Groups: Florida Attorney General Filing Says ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Doesn’t Apply to School Libraries
A group of free expression and anti-censorship groups sent a letter to schools across Florida today, alerting them to legal filings by the state’s Attorney General that the “Don’t… More
Unjust Prison Sentence in Algeria Against Scholar and Writer Raouf Farrah and His Father
“This unjust sentence against Raouf Farrah and his father illustrates how far the Algerian government is willing to go to stamp out critical commentary and independent scholarship. By handing… More
Monthslong Campaign of “Baseless Claims and Conspiracy Theories” May Lead to Shutdown of VA Library
Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America, said: “What is happening in Front Royal, Virginia should serve as a wake up call for anyone who cares… More
Temporary Ruling to Halt Implementation of TX Law on Book Ratings is a Victory for the Freedom to Read
Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America, said: “We welcome this decision to temporarily halt the implementation of HB 900. This law, which forces private companies… More
New Bill in Congress on School Materials Addresses a Non-Existent Problem, But Would Instead Chill Public Education
Laura Schroeder, senior manager of legislative affairs at PEN America, said: “This bill is an intimidation tactic that seeks to address a problem that doesn’t exist. There is no… More
PEN America Launches Fund to Assist Early Career Screenwriters Facing Economic Hardship
Ayad Akhtar, PEN America’s president and a novelist, playwright and screenwriter, said: “During these difficult days, we are honored as a writers organization to do as much as we… More
Threat by Tennessee Prosecutor to Enforce Drag Performance Ban at Pride Festival Poses a “Grave Threat” to Free Expression
“Tennessee’s Adult Entertainment Act poses a grave threat to the free expression of drag artists and LGBTQ+ Tennesseans more broadly. Even further, it is likely unconstitutional—as stated by a… More
Death Sentence for Retired Teacher Over Social Media Posts in Saudi Arabia is a “Horrifying Escalation” of the Kingdom’s Crackdown on Free Expression
Justin Shilad, Middle East and North Africa research and advocacy lead at PEN America, said: “Saudi Arabia’s sentencing Mohammed al-Ghamdi to death for posting and sharing on social media… More
PEN Tulsa Hosts Community Freedom to Read Summit Sat., 9/9
“We are at a critical crossroads in our community and state,” said PEN America Tulsa Chapter leader Jeff Martin. “Given the threats to our literary liberty from state officials… More
PEN America Condemns Arrest of Iranian Musician Mehdi Yarrahi and Subsequent Work Ban on ‘Cultural Activists’
PEN America condemns the arrest of Iranian musician Mehdi Yarrahi following the release of his song “Your Head Scarf” which protests the long-standing mandatory hijab rule imposed in the… More