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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Over One Hundred Authors Across Eleven Categories Make Longlist for 2023 PEN America Literary Prizes
Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, chief of literary programs at PEN America, said: “For 60 years, writers and translators selected for PEN America’s awards have brought us closer to unfamiliar lives… More
Harvard Deserves Credit for Reversing Decision Witholding a Fellowship from Former Human Rights Watch Leader
"It is important for institutions to be able to recognize where they have made an error that encroaches on free speech and academic freedom and to correct it; Harvard… More
PEN America and PEN Sydney Join More than 170 Writers Calling for the Release of Iranian Poet Ali Asadollahi and Other Writers Imprisoned in Iran
“Since the outpouring of sustained nationwide protests against the government in September, Iran’s writers and broader creative community have been caught in the crosshairs, targeted by authorities with preventative… More
Brooklyn Public Library and PEN America Teaming Up to Train High School Students to Defend Against Book Bans, Promote the Freedom to Read
Student registrants may attend as many of the four sessions as they would like, however, full attendance and participation are required to receive a certificate of professional achievement from… More
National Organizations Condemn Cancellation of Student Play at Douglas Anderson School of Performing Arts in Duval County, FL
“Indecent is a critically acclaimed and award-winning 2015 play by Paula Vogel that possesses rich educational and artistic merit. It has been produced Off-Broadway, on Broadway, and has been broadcast… More
PEN America: Florida Engages in “Witch Hunt” to Find Out How Public Colleges and Universities are Spending Funds Related to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
Jeremy C. Young, senior manager, free expression and education at PEN America, issued the following statement: “The governor’s request looks more like a witch hunt than a serious effort to… More
PEN America Expresses Dismay Over Harvard’s Denial of Fellowship to Former Human Rights Watch Executive Director Ken Roth
There is no suggestion that Roth's criticisms of Israel are in any way based on racial or religious animus. Withholding Roth's participation in a human rights program due to his own staunch… More
Kate Ruane Joins PEN America as Inaugural Sy Syms Director, U.S. Free Expression Programs
(WASHINGTON)-- PEN America, the free expression and literary advocacy organization, today announced the appointment of Kate Ruane as the inaugural Sy Syms Director, U.S. Free Expression programs. Ruane joins… More
PEN America Cites “Egregious Violation” of Academic Freedom by Hamline University
“If these reports are accurate, Hamline University has committed one of the most egregious violations of academic freedom in recent memory,” said Jeremy Young, senior manager of free expression… More
PEN America Condemns “Alarming Spread” of Violence and Harassment Against Drag Story Hours
"These violent responses to drag performers and members of the LGBTQ+ community strike at the heart of the freedom to gather, read, perform, and share community safely, all bedrocks… More