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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PEN America urges extension of Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Iran
PEN America joins a coalition of Iranian and international human rights organizations calling on the UN’s Human Rights Council to extend the mandate of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission… More
PEN America Applauds Reintroduction of the Building Civic Bridges Act
“Free expression thrives best across difference,” said Laura Schroeder, Congressional Affairs lead at PEN America. “The Building Civic Bridges Act’s support of community-based organizations at the forefront of repairing… More
PEN America: U.S. Ban on TikTok Takes a “Sledgehammer” Approach to the Challenge of Security and Safety Concerns Online
“Banning TikTok establishes an alarming precedent for addressing legitimate privacy and security risks posed by social media platforms,” said Laura Schroeder, Congressional Affairs lead. “The House has taken a… More
PEN America Statement on the Retraction of an Essay in Guernica Magazine
(NEW YORK) - In response to news that Guernica magazine retracted a personal essay by a writer living in Israel, Summer Lopez, PEN America's chief program officer of Free… More
Settlement Allows Teachers to Discuss Sexual Orientation in Florida Classrooms
“This is a step in the right direction, but the fight against this dangerous law continues-- learning about diverse families should not be off-limits in Florida schools,” said Katie… More
Censorship Proposals Largely Fail in the Florida Legislature
“Floridians fought hard for these victories. This is the product of parents, students, teachers, grassroots organizations, and legislators deciding that Florida has had enough state censorship." More
PEN America Warns of Likely Legal Challenges to Bill Putting Restrictions on Social Media Use by Young People
Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida, said: “Governor DeSantis has voiced concerns about this measure in the past, vetoing the first version of this bill, HB1. The changes… More
PEN America: Passage of Teacher Training Bill by Florida Senate is a Giant Leap in the Wrong Direction
Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida, said: “HB 1291 is nothing but an educational gag order that muzzles professors on ideas and concepts at both public and private… More
Songwriting Legend Paul Simon to be Honored at PEN America’s Spring Literary Gala in New York City
PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel said: “Paul Simon has inspired fans worldwide with lyrics and songs that entire generations know by heart and can recognize from the very first… More
PEN America Applauds 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling Affirming Injunction of Florida’s Stop WOKE Act
Elly Brinkley, staff attorney with PEN America, said: “We are gratified that the court recognized that government should have no role in deciding how employers can or should limit… More