PEN America, an organization dedicated to defending creative expression, is facing internal division over its stance on boycotting Israel. Its president, novelist Dinaw Mengestu, resigned last week in protest of a report that reaffirmed PEN's opposition to cultural and academic boycotts.

Mr. Mengestu argued that PEN's position was "unethical" as it could be perceived as discriminatory against the anti-Israel boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement (BDS). The BDS movement aims to isolate and stigmatize Israel. Mr. Mengestu's resignation highlights a complex debate within the literary and artistic communities regarding free expression and political boycotts.

The report in question, "A Silent Moratorium," detailed the exclusion of Jewish and Israeli writers from literary events. While Mr. Mengestu lacked editorial control as president, his resignation underscores the deep ethical considerations involved in navigating such sensitive political issues within an organization focused on creative freedoms. The situation has sparked discussion about the boundaries of free speech and the role of arts organizations in political discourse.