News & Analysis
The latest news and analysis from PEN America’s research and advocacy.
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Press Releases • Commentary
Cancellation of Book Talk in Brooklyn on Jewish Identity Sends a “Chilling Signal”
PEN America said in a statement: "It is deeply alarming to see any writer denied the opportunity to speak, and a conversation intended to uplift shut down because someone disapproved of the… More
How Fact-checking Works and Why It Matters: A Lesson in Disinformation Resilience
In a media world that is swirling with information true and made-up, new and old, it is harder than ever to tell a truth from a lie, a trustworthy… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended And Celebrated Free Expression the Week Of Aug. 19
Here are some of the latest ways PEN America defended and celebrated free expression in the week of Aug. 19. More
Craig Newmark Philanthropies Renews Support for Digital Safety Work
“I often say that journalism is the immune system of democracy. But attacks against a free and independent press are on the rise in the U.S., especially during elections,”… More
Florida’s New College Trashes Library of Books at Gender and Diversity Center
“News of the closure of the gender and diversity center at New College, and books being ripped from the shelves,carted off in a dumpster is more than alarming; it… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended And Celebrated Free Expression the Week Of Aug. 12
Here are some of the latest ways PEN America defended and celebrated free expression in the week of Aug. 12. More
Iowa Law that Led to Thousands of Book Bans in School Libraries Will Go Back Into Force, as Judge Lifts Injunction
“As we have already seen, Iowa’s SF 496 is a perfect recipe for censorship,” said Jonathan Friedman, Sy Sims director of US Free Expression programs at PEN America. “The… More
Urgent Concern for the Safety of Nobel Peace Laureate Narges Mohammadi and Other Women Imprisoned in Iran
According to her cellmates, Mohammadi—who has been denied direct communication with her family since November 2023—was repeatedly punched in the chest by security and military forces. Experiencing severe pain,… More
Florida’s Governor “Exploits” Concerns Over Antisemitism on Campuses to Advance His Campaign of Intellectual Repression
“Once again, the DeSantis administration is exploiting concerns about antisemitism as cover to advance their campaign of intellectual repression,” said Katie Blankenship, director of PEN America Florida. “Mandating a… More
PEN America Speaks: How We Defended And Celebrated Free Expression the Week Of Aug. 5
Here are some of the latest ways PEN America defended and celebrated free expression in the week of Aug. 4. More