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 Responds to Texas Lt. Gov. Statement on Tenure and Critical Race Theory For Faculty at Public Colleges
"This is a mortal threat to academic freedom that will undermine higher education in Texas," said Jeremy Young, senior manager of free expression and education at PEN America. "Patrick's… More
Audible Founder and Executive Chairman Don Katz to be Celebrated as Business Visionary Honoree at PEN America 2022 Gala
PEN America today announces Audible Founder and Executive Chairman Don Katz as Business Visionary Honoree for its 2022 Literary Gala, recognizing his transformative contributions to the world of literature… More
Twelve Emerging Writers to Receive PEN/Robert J. Dau Short Story Prize
“The publication of a debut story can be a launching pad for a writer’s career,” said Donica Bettanin, director of PEN America’s Literary Awards program. “We’re thrilled to celebrate… More
Dohle Book Defense Fund Established to Combat Rising Threats to Free Speech and Open Discourse
The Dohle Book Defense Fund will boost PEN America’s initiatives to educate the public, partner with local community groups to advocate against censorship, track and expose the egregious assaults on… More
Prison Sentence for Freelance Journalist in Crimea is a Gross Violation of Free Expression
PEN America today called the sentencing of freelance Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondent Vladyslav Yesypenko to six years in prison a gross violation of the right to freedom of… More
Presenters and Performers Announced for PEN America Literary Awards Feb. 28 at NYC’s Town Hall
PEN America today announces the presenters introducing the 2022 Literary Awards’ three career achievement honorees, and the performers who will take the stage at New York City’s Town Hall… More
Free Expression and LGBTQ+ Advocates Hold Media Briefing 2/14 on Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
On Monday, February 14 at 10:00 a.m. ET, PEN America will convene a virtual media briefing of LGBTQ+ and free speech advocates to discuss the “Don’t Say Gay” bill… More
Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill: Vindictive and Brazen Move to Halt Progress Toward Inclusion
PEN America calls Florida "Don't Say Gay" bill a brazen and vindictive effort to halt progress toward a more inclusive society. More
Exhibition by Afghan Artists Creating Through Perilous Times
PEN America’s Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) and Art at a Time Like This announce the launch of Before Silence: Afghan Artists in Exile, an online exhibition presenting the… More
New Guidance: E-Readers in Prisons Must Expand Access to Reading, Not Supplant Books Altogether
New guidance on e-readers use in prisons seeks to expand reading, not supplant books altogether. More