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.
Prohibition of LGBTQ+ Books by Alabama Library Makes a “Mockery” of Free Expression
“The Autauga-Prattville Public Library’s newly appointed board is making a mockery of freedom of expression,” said Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America. “We are alarmed… More
PEN America Strongly Denounces Imprisonment of Sepideh Rashno
PEN America strongly denounces the sentencing of Sepideh Rashno, a young Iranian writer, poet, and vocal critic of the country’s mandatory hijab law. More
PEN America Response to Free Speech Bill Pending in Israeli Knesset
Israeli lawmakers must step back from broadening an already concerning campaign against free expression in Israel. More
Statement on the Death of Alexei Navalny
"PEN America mourns the cruel death of Alexei Navalny who embodied the spirit of a free Russia with a spine of steel, unremitting determination and a spirit of derring… More
Chinese Woman’s Rights Activist Li Qiaochu Convicted of Inciting Subversion
PEN America condemns the unjust conviction and sentencing of Chinese labor and women’s rights activist Li Qiaochu. Li, who is the partner of imprisoned activist, essayist, and PEN/Barbey Freedom… More
PEN America Urges Passage of Landmark Legislation Protecting Human Rights Defenders Abroad
“Human rights defenders work tirelessly to realize the promise of representative democracy and equal justice and serve as the conscience of their societies. They should not have to live… More
Authors Join PEN America in Protest Over Banned Books in Rockingham VA Schools
“We are concerned not only about the recent ban, but also the limitations on public discourse,” said Kasey Meehan, Freedom to Read program director at PEN America. “It is… More
U.S. House Probe of Harvard U Should be Carried Out with “Great Restraint,” Respect for Academic Freedom and Institutional Autonomy
“This investigation is turning into a fishing expedition,” said Jeremy Young, director, Freedom to Learn program at PEN America. “The charges of antisemitism at Harvard are serious and demand… More
Florida Flag Law Would Chill Free Expression in Schools and Colleges, If Passed
In response to the bill, Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida, said: “This vague bill will chill personal and political expression in our K-12 schools and universities,” said… More
PEN America Applauds Reintroduction of the Saving Local News Act
“The retreat of local news across the country has starved Americans of information necessary for effective democratic citizenship,” said Interim Washington Director Hadar Harris. “By easing news organizations’ ability… More
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