The Department of English would like to congratulate Associate Professor Pranav Jani for being awarded a 2026 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Affiliate Intellectual Freedom Award.  

NCTE is a national body of English language teachers devoted to improving the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels of education. Established in 1997, the Affiliate Intellectual Freedom Awards are given by state, regional and provincial NCTE affiliates to honor individuals, groups or institutions that merit recognition for advancing the cause of intellectual freedom.  

Jani was honored by the Ohio Council of English Teachers of Language Arts (OCTELA) for his “unwavering commitment throughout his esteemed career to creating pockets of space both inside and outside of his classroom for free speech, for intellectual and academic freedom and for working toward a truly democratic and just world.”  

In considering the connections between his academic work and his community presence, Jani describes himself as “an organizer who happens to work as a professor,” and reflects that “even when students hear something they disagree with, they are more likely to respond in a positive way in a classroom setting that encourages discussion.”

OCTELA representatives note in Jani’s award letter that they “can’t remember an action over the last two decades at the Statehouse where Dr. Pranav Jani wasn’t there using his voice in solidarity with our Central Ohio community.” The letter also praises Jani for his involvement in anti-war movements, Palestine solidarity, struggles against racism and police brutality, movements for reproductive and gender justice, the labor movement and immigrant rights. OCTELA specifically highlights his key role in fighting Senate Bill 1; his podcast, Together We Rise: Solidarity Stories from Central Ohio; and his commitment to intellectual freedom despite attacks from various organizations.  

“This award from NCTE and OCTELA, an honor in any year, is extra special to me this year. Faculty members across Ohio’s public universities are maintaining our high standards of teaching and learning in the face of political pressure and repression from the Ohio legislature and the federal government,” said Jani. “Whereas politicians vilify those of us who teach in the classroom and are involved in the struggles for social justice, NCTE and OCTELA have chosen to honor my efforts in this regard.”

Jani also serves as a board member and past president of the Ohio State chapter of AAUP (American Association of University Professors), has been the faculty advisor for numerous groups and was named Professor of Year by the Department of English’s English Graduate Student Organization twice (2022, 2025).  

“This award gives me, and those I affiliate with, the confidence and support to keep defending intellectual freedom and to keep teaching the truth,” Jani reflects.  

Congratulations to Pranav Jani for this recognition of his impactful work!