Pen America staff work at the forefront of free expression, combining policy expertise, journalism, and legal advocacy. This team protects the right to read, write, and speak openly in schools, libraries, and public life.
Across New York and Washington offices, staff members coordinate campaigns, research threats to free speech, and partner with educators and communities. Their work shapes national conversations about censorship, school board activism, and the health of democratic discourse.
| Name | Role | Location | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzanne Nossel | Executive Director | New York | Strategic leadership, coalition building, and fundraising |
| Alison Gill | Vice President, Legal and Advocacy | New York | Campus free speech litigation and policy development |
| Eleanor Dreyer | Vice President, Programs | New York | Education programs, educator networks, and curriculum initiatives |
| William Damon | Director, Free Expression and Society Program | Washington | Research, policy briefs, and public engagement on censorship trends |
| Chelsea Jackson | Director of Communications | Remote | Media strategy, storytelling, and external partnerships |
Free Speech Advocacy and Campus Organizing
Pen America staff lead robust campaigns defending open dialogue on college campuses. They document book bans, speaker disinvitations, and restrictive campus policies while providing legal support and public education resources.
By training students, faculty, and administrators, the team helps institutions balance safety with freedom. They publish reports, host forums, and mobilize public pressure to ensure that campus policies reflect constitutional principles.
Research, Investigations, and Public Education
Researchers at Pen America staff track censorship attempts across the country, compiling data on book removals, library closures, and online speech restrictions. Their investigations inform journalists, policymakers, and the general public.
Through reports, webinars, and toolkits, staff translate complex legal and policy issues into accessible materials. This work empowers advocates, librarians, teachers, and community members to respond effectively to threats to free expression.
Policy and Legislative Strategy
Policy experts at Pen America staff engage directly with lawmakers to advance strong free speech protections at the state and federal level. They draft model legislation, provide expert testimony, and build bipartisan coalitions.
By analyzing proposed laws and regulations, the team helps prevent provisions that could chill speech or enable censorship. They also oppose harmful measures and support policies that safeguard libraries, schools, and public discourse.
Communications, Storytelling, and Movement Building
The communications and storytelling team amplifies the voices of writers, educators, and students facing censorship. They coordinate media outreach, social campaigns, and partnership initiatives that highlight the human impact of free expression battles.
Through press interviews, op-eds, and digital storytelling, staff ensure that censorship cases receive sustained public attention. This visibility helps generate support, donations, and political will for ongoing advocacy efforts.
Strengthening Democratic Discourse Through Action
Pen America staff channel expertise into measurable change that safeguards free expression across institutions.
- Champion freedom to read and speak in schools and libraries
- Investigate and expose censorship trends with data and storytelling
- Advocate for strong legal protections at local, state, and federal levels
- Equip educators, librarians, and students with tools and training
- Build broad public support for open dialogue and democratic engagement
FAQ
Reader questions
How does Pen America staff support students and faculty facing speech restrictions?
They provide legal assistance, public advocacy, educational resources, and coalition support to defend open dialogue on campus.
What kind of research and data does the organization produce on censorship?
Staff publish detailed reports, interactive databases, and trend analyses documenting book bans, library closures, and campus speech incidents.
How can educators and librarians partner with Pen America staff? They collaborate through training sessions, policy guidance, toolkits, and advocacy campaigns designed to protect teaching and library services. What role does the legal team play in free speech work?
The legal team files lawsuits, submits amicus briefs, and advises institutions on constitutional compliance to challenge censorship.