PEN America calls on Congress to "reaffirm First Amendment protections for @starsandstripes.bsky.social’ editorial independence and ensure the decades-long firewall between the Pentagon and the newsroom remains firmly intact.” pen.org/press-releas...
According to lists obtained through public information requests by the Texas Freedom to Read Project, the New Braunfels ISD, a suburban school district nestled in the Texas Hill Country, has banned 1,500 books since June 1, 2025. pen.org/1500-books-b...
When culture is a target of war, who ensures it lives on? In our latest blog, we interview PEN Ukraine members about their tireless work—restocking the shelves of damaged libraries, hosting conversations on culture, and promoting the work of Ukrainian writers.
Read more: pen.org/fighting-for...
The Oscars are just around the corner, and cinephiles aren’t the only ones who should have their calendars marked. If you’re a bibliophile like us, here are the films you should be keeping an eye out for during the 98th Academy Awards ceremony: https://pen.org/6-oscar-nominated-book-movies/
As part of its work challenging book bans, PEN America asked authors how much hinges on whether public libraries carry their books. The short answer? Everything. “If my books aren’t in public libraries, they may as well not be published at all,” said @kylelukoff.bsky.social. pen.org/why-libraries/
“The books come from big publishers and tiny indie presses alike, and our honorees and presenters include debut authors and literary legends from every corner, color, and creed, working across every genre of literature," said PEN America's Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf.
Tickets: pen.org/event/2026-p...
"Murray Hill will host the 2026 PEN America Literary Awards," reports @people.com. "The Somebody Somewhere actor, 54, will host the 62nd annual PEN America Literary Awards dubbed 'the Oscars for Books,' on Tuesday, March 31 at The Town Hall in New York City." FULL STORY: people.com/murray-hill-...
A dangerous bill in Florida is heading to a final vote. The sweeping censorial power that HB 1471 would give state politicians poses a mammoth threat to students’ free expression, further erodes academic freedom in universities and colleges, and censors K-12 education. www.aclufl.org/press-releas...
“A petty act of retaliation”: PEN America strongly condemns the decision by the Department of Defense to shut out news photojournalists from two briefings on the war with Iran following “unflattering” photographs.
https://pen.org/press-release/news-photographers-barred-from-pentagon-briefings/
Read our full interviews with writers Nahil Mohana, Maysoon Kuhail, Ali Abu Yaseen, and Nasser Rabah on how they envision the reconstruction of Gaza and what Palestinian cultural figures need for a path forward rooted in memory, dignity, and self-determination.
pen.org/culture-in-g...
Novelist Nahil Mohana survived life threatening injuries when a tank shell blew out the windows of her Gaza City home. For her, the reconstruction of Gaza is more than a debate about luxury resorts—it is about what will be erased, what will be preserved, and whose vision will shape Gaza’s future.
We joined a coalition demanding ICE release journalist Estefany Rodriguez, saying it's "part of a broader erosion of democratic norms and human rights... in which immigration authorities are increasingly being used to chill free expression and 1st Amendment rights." www.freepress.net/download/pre...
Just in time for America’s 250th birthday, its history is being erased from our National Parks.
Learn more at: pen.org/purging-hist...
Tickets on sale now for the PEN America Literary Awards taking place on March 31 in NYC. Don't miss your opportunity to attend the 'Oscars for Books' and spot your favorite and soon-to-be-favorite authors! https://bit.ly/3OTki0q
“When I was asked to compile a reading list for Women’s History Month, I heard in my ears the voices of those of women who persisted when told to be silent,” writes Amy Reid, PEN America's Freedom to Learn program director.
Read more and shop the list: pen.org/womens-histo... #WomensHistoryMonth
PEN America strongly condemns the Belarusian authorities’ designation of @penbelarus.bsky.social as an “extremist organization.” The move is a dangerous escalation in the government’s ongoing assault on free expression and Belarusian culture independent of state control.
pen.org/press-releas...
NEW: The Utah legislature is “cheapening” higher education in their state, says PEN America’s Laura Benitez. PEN America has urged Governor Cox to veto HB 204, which would allow students to opt-out of course work based on their “religious” or “conscience” beliefs. pen.org/press-releas...
PEN America applauds the decision by U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth striking down the unlawful appointment of Kari Lake to lead the U.S. Agency for Global Media. We call for the quick return of hundreds of journalists to Voice of America laid off by Lake in 2025. pen.org/press-releas...
#InternationalWomensDay: Imagine being behind bars just for being a woman who writes and speaks out. The Belarusian authorities must release #ValeryjaKaściuhova immediately and unconditionally and ensure she has access to medical care while detained. #IWD26
www.pen-international.org/our-campaign...
Some literary meetups truly shine a light forward. Honored by this free-speech collab in Miami Beach with @penamerica.bsky.social for American Scare. Thank you William Johnson for organizing this Cocktails and Conversation salon!
Around the world, women writers face risks because of what they write, where they write, or simply just *because* they write. On #InternationalWomensDay, we encourage you to learn more about women writers at risk, and read some of their words. pen.org/we-must-reme...
A new interactive workshop on prison censorship by @themarshallproject.org puts a PEN America report on widespread book censorship in prisons front and center. Check out the workshop: www.themarshallproject.org/events/works...
PEN America: “The detention of journalist Estefany Rodríguez by ICE is an alarming threat to press freedom that follows a well-worn path by this administration. Journalists must be able to report freely without fear that their work will expose them to government retaliation." pen.org/press-releas...
ACTION ALERT: Massachusetts readers, ask your legislators to protect the freedom to read by supporting H.3594, An Act Regarding Free Expression. This bill would strengthen protections for libraries & students’ right to read. Send a message today: act.pen.org/a/mass-actio...
Austin area peeps: @penamerica.bsky.social is coming to UT next Tuesday, March 10th. It’ll be a great panel discussion, featuring @jonfreadom.bsky.social, SEAT representative Cameron Samuels, Professor Karma Chavez, and author/journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones.
Kronika, a project of PEN America, has preserved an extensive collection of documentary testimonies chronicling Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Access the multilingual archive at: witnessesofwar.krnk.io/en
📢 Join CPJ, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine,
@penamerica.bsky.social, and @euatun.bsky.social for a #CSW70 side event to discuss detentions and enforced disappearances of #Ukrainian women journalists by #Russia.
🗓️ March 13, 2026, 1:15 pm - 2:45 pm ET
📝 Register here: shorturl.at/HpQl0
PEN America, Publishers, Authors Join Together to Support Twin Cities Students https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-industry-news/article/99868-pen-america-publishers-authors-join-together-to-support-twin-cities-students.html
Minnesota Authors, PEN America Continue to Speak Out Against ICE www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/...
By banning authors as renowned as Plato, Texas A&M has staked out turf as the epicenter of higher educational censorship. Resistance can sometimes feel futile — but as @jennyboylan.bsky.social says here, we must stand up for Aggies’ freedom to read, write, and learn.
