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Join PEN America in the Fight Against Book Bans
As you may know, our recently released report, Banned in the USA: The Mounting Pressure to Censor, documents a 33% increase in book bans in 2023-23 compared to 2021-22, of which 40% occurred in Florida. Books about race and racism, LGBTQ+ identities, and violence have remained a top target.
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The report kicks off more than a month of activity for PEN America to raise awareness of the efforts to restrict American students' freedom to read. Keep reading to learn how you can attend an event, join an online gathering, urge lawmakers to oppose book bans, or buy swag that supports PEN America. Of course, all of these efforts are only possible thanks to our members and supporters, so please also join PEN America or donate in honor of Banned Books Week!
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TELL CONGRESS TO OPPOSE BOOK BANS
Send an email to your US Representative urging them to support H.Res. 733/S. Res. 372 introduced by Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Senator Brian Schatz (HI). This resolution expresses concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.
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THE NATIONAL HISPANIC MEDIA COALITION PRESENTS: THE BURNING OF DEMOCRACY | A BANNED BOOKS DISCUSSION
Watch the recording on YouTube
Don't miss this discussion at which panelists from a wide array of diverse communities and backgrounds will gather to discuss the effects of book banning. Featuring some of the preeminent names in academia, literature, advocacy, and more, including PEN America Los Angeles director, Allison Lee, the panel will discuss the power of literature and its unique ability to inform important narratives in our society and shine a light on the struggles and successes of underrepresented communities in the United States.
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FROM HOWL TO NOW: BOOK BANS IN THE U.S.
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm PT
Moderated by Ipek Burnett with appearances by Nic Stone, Becky Calzada, Leela Hensler, and Summer Lopez, the group will share insights, observations, and methods to counter the suppression of books that address issues pertaining to race, gender, and sexuality. Ever timely, their conversation is a powerful call to action to stand up for the freedom to read.
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FREEDOM TO WRITE | FREEDOM TO READ WITH SUZANNE NOSSEL
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm ET
PEN America CEO Suzanne Nossel will join a conversation with Richard Dresser, American playwright and screenwriter, as part of the Big Tent USA “Under the Tent” Speaker Series. This talk will examine the current movement to ban books in public schools playing out across the United States.
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LIVE FROM NYPL AND THE ATLANTIC | BANNED: CENSORSHIP AND FREE EXPRESSION IN AMERICA
Thu. Oct 5, 2023 7:00pm - 8:00pm ET
PEN America president Ayad Akhtar and author Imani Perry will talk about the danger of book banning and limits on freedom of expression, how attempts to silence artists threaten democracy, and what we can do to fight back at this event with the New York Public Library and The Atlantic.
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SHOP TO SUPPORT PEN AMERICA
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Hot off the presses, original art from banned authors and illustrators on t-shirts, totes, and onesies. Show your support for free expression and PEN America. Use code FREETHEBOOKS2023 for 10% off!
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