There’s a lot of uncertainty and fear in the air about how the next four years could reshape the United States for decades. No matter who occupies the White House, PEN America will remain fearless, steadfast in the values that have served us for more than 100 years. In turbulent times, we embrace the power of words – the heart of our mission at PEN America.
Stories can change the world; that’s why they're scrutinized, twisted, and, yes, banned. That’s why authoritarians pursue journalists, burn books, and try to shut down truth-tellers. And that is why we must – and PEN America will – continue to support writers and storytellers. PEN America is not afraid to fight for the freedom to write, to read, to learn, to speak, and to imagine.
During this time of transition, we can assure you that we remain resolute in all our commitments – to stand up for books and authors and students and educators who want to read freely. We will continue to track every book banned in a public school in this country. We will document every piece of censorial legislation that courses through a state house or Congress. We will help people navigate the chaotic information landscape that hijacked the election season and is intensifying; and we are ready for the new threats to free expression we know are to come. We will speak for voices that are silenced on college campuses, in publishing, or at cultural events. We will defend writers who have been vilified in the United States and jailed around the world. And we will celebrate the writers whose stories we need most.
As we look to the future for our country, we hope you’ll join us in the fight for free expression.
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