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The Latest Breaking News from PEN America

Hamline University at center of academic freedom debate over Islamic artwork shown in class

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The centuries-old artworks appeared on Hamline University students' computer screens during an art history class early one October morning.

Tribune News Service

Students Taking Back ‘Ownership’ of Education

“We defended these books, which remained in the library ... We saw book banning slow down, and that was really phenomenal to see.”

Texas Observer

How 'Gender Queer: A Memoir' became America's most banned book

SANTA ROSA, Calif. — Maia Kobabe grew up in an idyll. Cow fields threaded by a dirt road. No TV. Almost no internet. Nights fell over hills, stars shone bright, and Kobabe read fantasy novels, imagining other universes while searching for an identity, a glint of self to carry into…

Los Angeles Times

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Silent censorship of books is an attack on knowledge and open discourse

A book is on a library shelf one day, then it’s gone. Any librarian or educator who stands up against those efforts runs the risk of being threatened.

Chicago Sun-Times

This North Texas author is shining a light on Desi authors from around the globe

Jenny Bhatt was born in Gujarat, India, grew up in Bombay, and has lived and worked around the globe. But for the past several years, she has made her home in the Dallas area and established an international reputation as a writer, translator, literary critic, podcaster and instructor.

Tribune News Service

Commentary: Rapidly accelerating book bans are part of a coordinated assault on public education

Over the last year and a half, young people and educators have witnessed a growing campaign to silence voices in our nation’s schools. Districts across the country are banning books with unprecedented frequency, directly undermining students’ freedom to learn. This movement has gained momentum from local and national advocacy groups,…

Tribune News Service

James Patterson donates to PEN America, Howard University

Howard University, PEN America and Scholastic Book Clubs are among the latest recipients of donations from James Patterson, the bestselling author who has given over $100 million to literary and literacy programs

The Independent UK

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Democrats introduce ‘book ban’ resolution amid nationwide censorship movement

Campaigns across the US to remove books from schools and libraries are a ‘direct attack on First Amendment rights,’ congressman says

The Independent UK

Censorship campaigns triggered 2,500 book bans in the US within the last school year, report finds

‘Rapidly accelerating’ campaign is endangering democratic bedrock, according to PEN America report

The Independent UK

Texas bans more books than any state

Across the country, more books have been removed as religious and conservative groups target LGBTQ and race issues

Salon

School book bans have seen an unprecedented surge this year, a new report says

If you've read a book in one sitting sometime in the last year, chances are another book was banned before you finished it.

Los Angeles Times

New report finds a coordinated rise in attempted book bans

According to PEN America, a growing number of local political and advocacy groups have focused their attacks on books featuring LGBTQ+ characters and characters of color.

WEKU

‘Rapid acceleration’ in US school book censorship leads to 2,500 bans in a year

School districts in 32 states banned 1,648 individual titles in the last school year, a report by Pen America found

The Guardian - US

Texas has banned more books than any other state, new report shows

Across the country, more books have been challenged and removed as religious and conservative groups target LGBTQ and race issues.

The Texas Tribune

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The Independent UK

John Green speaks out against school board candidate’s effort to ban his book in his hometown

‘I know some of the people involved,’ said Green in a video. ‘I remember you from middle school’

The Guardian - US

Salman Rushdie: writers gather in New York to read author’s works in solidarity

Event organized by Pen America champions freedom to write after novelist survived assassination attempt last week

Tribune News Service

Editorial: An attack on Rushdie — and free society

In 1989, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, then the supreme leader of Iran, issued a fatwa that called for the killing of author Salman Rushdie for his portrayal of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad in his novel "The Satanic Verses."

WEKU

Since 1989, threats to Salman Rushdie have sparked support and debate on free speech

Last week's attack has reignited debates over free speech, censorship and offensiveness that were already heated back in 1989, when an op-ed by a former president called Rushdie's book an "insult."

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The Guardian - UK

Hundreds of authors to read from Salman Rushdie’s works in show of solidarity

The ‘Stand with Salman’ event in New York mirrors a public reading of The Satanic Verses that took place after the fatwa was issued in 1989

The Guardian - US

Republicans’ classroom gagging bills are ‘attack on education’, report says

PEN America says ‘educational gag orders’ have increased 250% since 2021 with focus on race and LGBTQ+ issues

Los Angeles Times

The organized labor movement has a new ally: venture capitalists

The staff at PEN America made the announcement in June: They were forming a union.

The Hindu

Morning Digest | Bihar Cabinet expansion today; Chinese hi-tech vessel to dock at Hambantota port, and more

Here’s a select list of stories to read before you start your day

The Hindu

Over 100 notable writers call on President Murmu to support free expression

Collection of writings on India at 75 also released; Salman Rushdie, Jhumpa Lahiri among contributors

The Guardian - UK

Salman Rushdie’s grave fears for Indian democracy published in PEN anthology

Rushdie’s words, written before last week’s attack in New York, are aired in a new anthology alongside other leading authors

Radio France Internationale

Author Salman Rushdie taken to hospital after attack in New York State

Author Salman Rushdie was on Friday recovering from surgery in hospital after he was stabbed in the neck as he was about to give a lecture in New York state.

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Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

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