PEN America launches US safety program for authors facing harassment

The initiative will provide training and resources to protect the literary community from growing threats.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:23pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus image of a dimly lit library interior, with the silhouettes of bookshelves and a single author's desk visible in soft pools of warm yellow light, conceptually representing the need to protect the literary community.The U.S. Safety Program aims to provide authors with the resources and protection they need to continue their vital work without fear of harassment or censorship.Salt Lake City Today

PEN America, a free expression organization, has launched the U.S. Safety Program to support authors facing harassment and censorship efforts across the country. The program will provide safety training and other resources to the literary community amid a rise in attacks on writers.

Why it matters

Authors have faced an increasing number of threats, censorship attempts, and harassment in recent years, creating a chilling effect on free expression. The U.S. Safety Program aims to empower writers and protect their ability to share their work without fear of repercussions.

The details

The U.S. Safety Program is a collaboration between PEN America and a coalition of publishers and literary agencies. It will offer security training, digital safety guidance, and other resources to help authors navigate harassment and censorship efforts targeting the literary community.

  • PEN America announced the launch of the U.S. Safety Program on April 10, 2026.

The players

PEN America

A century-old free expression organization that has launched the U.S. Safety Program to support authors facing harassment.

Amanda Darrow

The director of youth, family and education programs at the Utah Pride Center, who has faced complaints over books like 'Gender Queer' by Maia Kobabe.

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The takeaway

The U.S. Safety Program represents a proactive effort by the literary community to protect authors and ensure their ability to freely express themselves without fear of repercussions, which is essential for a healthy democracy.