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.
Illinois School District Board Withdraws from State Celebration of Children’s Literature Over Book on Racism and Antiracism
"The board's deliberations were plainly ideological,” said Jonathan Friedman, Sy Syms managing director, U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America. “This program is a wonderful opportunity for kids to… More
ARC Deeply Concerned for Artists’ Rights and Freedom of Expression in Russia
The Russian authorities feel threatened by artists because it intuitively understands the power they have to mobilize citizens and inspire them to dream of better, more equitable futures based… More
PEN America Condemns Reported Assault and Arrest of Al Jazeera Correspondent by the Israeli Military
"Freedom of the press is essential during conflict when disinformation spreads more easily. Palestinian journalists have faced enormous challenges since October 7 and Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza… More
EveryLibrary and PEN America Oppose Proposed Huntington Beach, CA Ordinance for Community Review of Children’s Library Books
In a statement, the organizations said: “This proposed ordinance is nothing short of an effort to erect a censorship committee to police public access to literature. It has the… More
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