Recent efforts to reform institutions have led to the distortion or undermining of their core missions, particularly in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, university departments, and cultural institutions. In the wake of political events like the 2016 election and the murder of George Floyd in 2020, organizations have faced challenges in pursuing progressive goals without risking politicization, mission drift, irrelevance, or dissolution. The war in Gaza has now reached American universities, with PEN America, a nonprofit organization focused on free expression, becoming the latest target.
PEN America faced escalating pressure from some members to boycott its annual World Voices Festival and cancel its literary awards ceremony due to accusations of implicit support for the Israeli occupation and genocide in Palestine. Criticism led to demands for the resignation of the organization’s CEO and president, creating internal dissent among members. While acknowledging the need for diversity of opinions, PEN America has stood by its commitment to free expression and independence, even in the face of calls for total capitulation to a single political agenda.
While acknowledging that there may be legitimate grievances regarding the organization’s advocacy for Palestinian writers, PEN America has emphasized its support for all writers experiencing conflict, repression, and censorship, irrespective of their geopolitical circumstances. Despite efforts by some members to push for a single political agenda, the organization has maintained its openness to a range of perspectives, choosing to engage in dialogue rather than total alignment with one viewpoint. Critics have conducted an intimidation campaign to compel other members to conform to their demands or remain silent.
As a long-standing member of PEN America, the author has valued the organization’s protection of free expression, particularly in a climate of online abuse and book bans. While recognizing the minor nature of internal conflicts compared to larger global issues, the author stresses the importance of maintaining independent organizations like PEN America in a time when few remain. The organization’s charter emphasizes the unhampered transmission of thought and commitment to opposing suppression of freedom of expression worldwide, highlighting the necessity of upholding and strengthening its mission.
PEN America has faced challenges in upholding its mission of free expression amidst internal dissent and external pressures linked to political events and conflicts. The organization has sought to navigate these challenges by maintaining openness to diverse viewpoints while resisting efforts to align with a single political agenda. In the face of criticism and demands for resignation, PEN America has chosen to engage in dialogue and uphold its commitment to protecting all writers, regardless of geopolitical circumstances. The author emphasizes the importance of supporting independent organizations like PEN America and defending their missions from distortion or dissolution in the face of political pressures.
