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PEN America is at the forefront of the fight to defend free expression, artistic freedom, and the free press in the United States and beyond. We research and report the challenges, host educational and advocacy events, draft op-eds, pressure governments and other powerful forces, and provide support to individual writers and artists at risk.
But for free expression to flourish, writers and readers everywhere must rise to the challenge of defending it, for all people. Please, join us by taking action below.
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Advocacy • Open Letters • Petitions • Rapid Actions
SIGN NOW: Hinds County Schools, Reading Is Not a Crime
We object to the idea that reading a children's book shouldn't be the cause for a teacher's firing in Mississippi. More
Morocco: Authorities Must Ensure Prominent Journalist Soulaiman Raissouni a Fair Trial and Release Him Pending the Outcome of His Appeals
PEN believes that journalist Soulaiman Raissouni is being targeted for his writings following an unfair trial, putting his health at risk. More
Turkey: Charges Against Kurdish PEN Member Must Be Dropped
PEN is deeply concerned for the well-being of Kurdish PEN member, writer and poet Meral Şimşek, who is facing up to 20 years on two separate charges. PEN believes… More
Azerbaijan: Serious Concern for Health of Journalist Elchin Mammad
PEN is deeply concerned for the health of reporter, lawyer, and human rights defender Elchin Mammad, who is serving a four-year prison sentence on trumped-up charges of theft and… More
SIGN NOW: Demand Burbank Schools Reinstate Banned Books
We the undersigned object to the news that several books dealing with the subject of race in America have been temporarily banned within Burbank public school classes. More
Uganda: Drop All Charges against Kakwenza Rukirabashaija
PEN condemns the unlawful arrest and detention of Ugandan novelist and journalist Kakwenza Rukirabashaija. He was arrested on the morning of September 18, 2020 at his home in Iganga… More
NYC Literary Action Coalition
The NYC Literary Action Coalition aims to create an activism network of NYC-based literary members to build the community’s capacity to mobilize on behalf of free expression and social… More
Cuba: Immediately Release Poet and Journalist Roberto de Jesús Quiñones Haces
PEN calls for the immediate and unconditional release of poet, lawyer and independent journalist Roberto de Jesús Quiñones Haces. In April 2019, he was detained while he was covering… More
United Against Hate: A Statement of Solidarity
We, the undersigned, call on everyday citizens to join us in standing in solidarity with all those targeted by hate during COVID-19. More
Mayor De Blasio: Expand COVID19 relief funding to NYC’s literary arts community
We, members of the literary community in New York City, call on you to ensure writers and the literary arts organizations who support them are provided meaningful support. More
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PEN America On 
"We must face the dangers of speaking up now"—@writetopd for PEN America's India at 75.
Read all the contributions at: http://PEN.org/india-at-75 #India #IndiaAt75
Schools across the U.S. have been caught up in spirited debates over how #history should be taught.
@nytimes talked to social studies #teachers about how they run their classrooms, what they teach and why.
Watch and read free via this gift link: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2022/08/17/us/teaching-critical-race-theory.html?unlocked_article_code=AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEIPuomT1JKd6J17Vw1cRCfTTMQmqxCdw_PIxfs9gGPzNiGeVTdcwqNPW9LavB-dIvM8IMYomCiWTdRBMbkgAfdoz_NeNEVpDhOhqZbBhJQIJD8k74KvW2d8l7T8YYcFyx64JG-oNLU4g7y5ox-cOTOsAOOIzyEqJFs288RgaVGrjXEXwq_OFfp_0tB1wfghUcstQTcDNyCBuOL6SEkrYKXwZRnX7gk2WehfSGuTyYbas-RcBV0UXVHWT3p_4nI-4cdfPr4UNKX_KR0neqnukOlbSzwofMryWcpHF8WDnK5qsLXNtRWH1MKyov09H65Rt7_F2X2oS7FaKXXnHSnv0nYLFrr9GQ&smid=tw-share
I wish I could be there. https://twitter.com/PENamerica/status/1559648230018666496
