The Royal Society of Literature (RSL) has decided to refer itself to the Charity Commission in response to an open letter signed by prominent authors like Ian McEwan and Alan Hollinghurst, urging it to do so. The RSL, a charitable organization that elects fellows based on literary achievement, has faced criticism lately, including concerns about changes in the election process for fellows and the postponement of its annual magazine Review. Former editor Maggie Fergusson claimed the magazine was pulled from print because of an article critical of Israel and that she was dismissed, though the RSL disputes this, stating it was understood this would be her final issue.

Fellows have also expressed disappointment with the RSL for not publicly supporting Salman Rushdie when he was attacked in 2022. RSL president Bernardine Evaristo wrote in a paper that the charity “cannot take sides in writers’ controversies and issues but must remain impartial.” Rushdie questioned this stance, and Evaristo and the RSL clarified their position, noting they had issued two statements about the attack.

Criticism has also been directed at the RSL for rapidly expanding its fellowship, with a new scheme in 2018 creating 40 new fellows under 40. Since Evaristo became president in 2021, an additional 60 fellows have been appointed as part of the RSL Open initiative, aiming to diversify the charity’s fellows.

To be awarded a fellowship, authors must have produced at least two works of outstanding literary merit. Some authors have raised concerns that the honour may lose its prestige when granted early in an author’s career. Former president Marina Warner noted a lack of respect for older members and a loss of institutional history.

In her Guardian column, Evaristo agreed that becoming an RSL fellow is a great honor but stressed that no single group or demographic should feel they own it.

McEwan expressed concerns about censorship, lack of transparency, and the election process for new members. He called for an independent investigation by the Charity Commission.

A representative from the RSL refuted claims of censorship and stated that the process for electing new fellows had been public since changes were announced in the summer. The Review was not canceled, and Fergusson was not dismissed; her tenure expired by mutual agreement.

The representative explained that when the RSL team and chair reviewed the annual magazine’s proofs in December, they deemed it not “good enough” for print. They discussed issues with the outgoing editor, including querying the context of a written piece referencing the war in Gaza. There was no intention to edit the piece, and it will be published unedited in the spring.

The Council (board of trustees) is set to meet and issue a statement after the meeting.