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Clare Carter

Program Coordinator, Freedom to Learn

Clare Carter is the Program Coordinator for the Freedom to Learn Program at PEN America. Previously, she worked with the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) as a Program Assistant, engaging with Quaker communities across the country in FCNL’s advocacy work. While pursuing her undergraduate studies, she worked as a community organizer to advocate for gun violence legislation in Southwest Virginia. With her background in theatre, Clare facilitated conversations about sexual violence on college campuses. While in her graduate studies, she explored feminist and political philosophy especially surrounding issues of free will and oppression.

Carter holds a BA in Philosophy and Theatre from Emory & Henry College and a Masters of Science in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh.

Articles by Clare Carter

The image shows the Iowa State University entrance sign with the iconic campanile clock tower in the background, surrounded by trees and clear blue sky.
Campus Free SpeechEducational CensorshipU.S. Free Expression
Thursday August 28

New Rules on ‘Controversial Topics’ Create Chill in Universities in Iowa

Iowa’s policy marks an escalation in a campaign by lawmakers and the governor to police college classrooms and silence open debate.

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Campus Free SpeechEducational CensorshipU.S. Free Expression
Thursday August 21

‘It’s up to us’: Student Organizer Uplifts Community to Defend Free Expression

It’s up to us to advocate for the values that we believe in. There’s a lot to lose, and young people are going to feel the brunt of that loss.

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The Rotunda at the University of Virginia is lit up at dusk, with a statue in front and Greek symbols painted on the brick plaza. Leafless trees and benches line the walkway.
Educational CensorshipCampus Free Speech
Thursday July 24

Lessons in Leadership from the University of Virginia

While James Ryan may have been trying to protect the university with his resignation, by accepting his resignation, UVA acquiesced to a brazen and vindictive demand from the Trump administration, and put itself – and the higher education sector – on shakier ground.

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More Articles by Clare Carter

A group of people sits at picnic tables under a pavilion by the water, listening to two speakers standing in front of them. Sailboats and a modern building are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Educational CensorshipCampus Free SpeechU.S. Free Expression
Monday June 9

‘You Have A Lot More Influence Than You Think:’ Students at USF St. Pete Speak Up

Educational CensorshipU.S. Free Expression
Monday May 5

“Return on Investment” is a Red Herring

A man with short, wavy, gray hair and a trimmed beard is shown in profile against a red circle. Next to him is the cover of a book titled Open Heaven by Seán Hewitt, featuring abstract art of a tower and a pink sky.
Writing as Craft
Thursday April 17

The Power and Freedom of Books: Poet Seán Hewitt on his novel Open, Heaven

A majestic, illuminated capitol building with a prominent dome stands at dusk. The structure features columns and steps leading up to the entrance, with trees flanking both sides, under a clear, darkening sky.
Educational Censorship
Monday April 14

Wait, What Just Happened in Idaho? A Wake-Up Call for Higher Ed

Campus scene featuring the Marston Water Tower and lush green trees at Iowa State University with Iowa State University written on a stone sign adorned with red flowers in the foreground.
Educational CensorshipU.S. Free Expression
Friday March 28

“We Need to Work For It:” Iowa State Students are Fighting for Their Community and University Equity

A woman with long blonde hair smiles warmly. She is wearing a black top, and the background is dark, making her hair and smile stand out. Her expression is friendly and approachable.
U.S. Free Expression
Tuesday March 18

Taking Back North Idaho College: ‘It was embarrassing to me as a community member’

A grand building with a golden dome is seen under a blue sky, flanked by green trees. A statue stands prominently in the foreground.
Educational CensorshipU.S. Free Expression
Wednesday February 12

Cuts to Academic Programs with ‘Low ROI’ Hide Political Censorship

Two men pose for a photo together indoors. The man on the left wears glasses and a dark suit, while the man on the right wears a green shirt with red suspenders and a camera strap around his neck. Both are smiling at the camera.
Educational CensorshipU.S. Free Expression
Thursday January 2

The Plaintiff Who Secured Academic Freedom Sees Echoes of ‘Red Scare’ Today

The image shows a large building with a green dome and classical architecture, situated between two modern buildings. The sky is clear with a few clouds, and there are trees and street lamps in the foreground.
Educational Censorship
Tuesday December 17

“Viewpoint Diversity” Indiana law denies students the ability to digest this election season in the classroom