### BACKGROUND A growing list of words and materials is being scrubbed from government websites and documents and flagged for review by federal agencies in an attempt by the Trump administration to remove all references not only to diversity, equity and inclusion, but also to climate change, vaccines, and a host of other topics. PEN America initially compiled a list of more than 250 words and phrases reportedly no longer considered acceptable by the Trump administration, from “abortion,” to “women,” and including “disability,” “elderly,” “Native American”and, unsurprisingly, the “Gulf of Mexico.” The list has now expanded to 370+ words and phrases, encompassing even desirable goals like “safe drinking water,” the mention of which can now result in research grants or other agreements with the federal government getting nixed. Some agencies ordered the removal of specific words from public-facing websites or the elimination of other materials (including school curricula) in which they might be included. In other cases, federal agencies used key words to flag materials for further review or asked staff to limit or avoid their usage. _Continue reading_ ### ### SEEKING PARTICIPANTS IN A COMMUNITY QUILTING BEE As quilters/makers/artists we are alarmed by the chilling effect that prohibitions on language, ideas and research is having on our country already. Despite the current president’s lip service to “freedom of speech and ending federal censorship” we are seeing increasing government overreach in threats, intimidation and stifling the First Amendment. In response to this, we are creating a community-based quilt project that we hope to… * Serve as an artistic outlet to express our collective anger and frustration around the silencing of speech, language and ideas. * Create greater awareness to encourage action and resistance. ### ### FORBIDDEN WORDS QUILT PROJECT Throughout the Fall 2025, we will be reaching out to quilters, creators and makers to create blocks that will be sewn into a quilt featuring the words/phrases compiled by PEN America that are being flagged by the U.S. federal agencies to ban, limit, or avoid. Text will be created using fabric, letter templates and fusible, and cut out by hand and ironed onto a fabric block. Blocks will be cut from repurposed shirting, ideally from thrift and reclamation outlets or from your own home (i.e. woven button-up shirts cotton or cotton/poly blend). Text will be sewn down using free-motion quilting to ensure it stays permanently secured. This is an optional step, if you don’t have the ability to do this. We estimate the quilt will be two-sided and approximately 90”x72” inches upon completion. ### THINGS TO KNOW: * Participants can sign up to select which words/phrases they wish to make and can select up to 3 words/phrases at a time on the Forbidden Words Quilt Project SignUp Genius. * Once you’ve completed 3, please sign up for more! No limits! * Watch step-by-step “how to” video tutorials for free on the Forbidden Words National Quilt Project Thinkific Course. * We will be hosting Zoom workshops throughout the Fall to share tips, answer questions and for participants to connect with each other. * All Zoom gatherings Sundays from 9:00 – 10:00 am Pacific Time * On these dates: 9/7, 10/5, 10/26, 11/16, 12/14 * Block creation for the FORBIDDEN WORDS QUILT PROJECT will run throughout the Fall of 2025. * The deadline for completed blocks to arrive for inclusion in the quilt is January 9, 2026. * We will be sewing blocks together through the first quarter of 2026, with a goal of completing the quilt by April/May 2026. * We plan to submit the group quilt into quilt shows, gallery and museum calls for entry anywhere possible. * All makers will be credited in the creation of this group quilt (unless requested to be anonymous). * The quilt is entirely a volunteer effort – the quilt will not be sold for profit, but may be donated at some point in the future. * **Download complete instructions, links and everything you need to know here.** ### WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? * ANYONE! No quilting or sewing experience necessary! * We’d love participants from all 50 states – and beyond! * Organize a group to make letters and blocks! * Get the word out to others who might want to contribute through your quilting groups, Instagram, work buddies, etc. ### HOW DO I GET STARTED? * **Download the pdf overview with supply list, an overview “how to” and links to the signup sheet and Thinkific course with video tutorials HERE.** * Questions? Email **[email protected]**