PEN America has canceled its annual awards ceremony due to widespread unhappiness over its response to the Israel-Hamas war. Dozens of nominees withdrew from the event, including nine of the 10 finalists for the PEN/Jean Stein Award for best book. The organization said that continuing with the ceremony was not possible under the circumstances.
Student protests against the Israel-Hamas war continue to escalate at Columbia University and other campuses nationwide, despite the arrest of over 100 students. University President Minouche Shafik faces pressure from politicians and Jewish safety concerns have been raised, but protesters deny antisemitism and demand a ceasefire and halt to military aid to Israel.
Columbia University is facing escalating protests over the Israel-Hamas war, with student demonstrators calling for a cease-fire and an end to US military aid to Israel. The protests, which have spread to other campuses nationwide, have been met with arrests and suspensions by university administrators, further fueling tensions. The Biden administration has denounced the protests, while lawmakers from both parties are calling for action from Columbia President Minouche Shafik.
