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U. of Chicago: No “Trigger Warnings” or “Safe Spaces” – Rebels, What Say You?
EDITORS NOTE: As a graduate of the University of Missouri (Columbia), this development caught my eye. Last year student-organized protests led to the resignation of the president and chancellor.
The University of Chicago recently informed incoming freshmen that it does not support so-called “safe spaces” or “trigger warnings” on campus.
Addressed to the class of 2020, Jay Ellison, the Dean of Students wrote in a letter, “Our commitment to academic freedoms means that we do not support so-called ‘trigger warnings. We do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual ‘safe spaces.’”
Ellison continues, “Civility and mutual respect are vital to all of us, and freedom of expression does not mean the freedom to harass or threaten others. At times this may challenge you and even cause discomfort.”
Some wonder if the policy was a preemptive strike given the number of student protests last year at schools like the University of Missouri.
Since its release, the letter has gone viral on social media eliciting both support and criticism.
So Ole Miss Rebels – what say you? Write your comments below.
Russ Jones is the Editor-In-Chief for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at russ.jones@hottytoddy.com.
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Linda Miller
August 26, 2016 at 4:44 pm
I just want to congratulate the University of Chicago for doing what’s in the best interest of their students and our country and say Hats Off! Our youth need to learn to stand up for what they believe through vigorous and respectful debate instead of perceiving wrong, insult or injury at every turn. When they get out into the “real world,” there won’t be any trigger warnings or safe spaces and they need to be prepared for that rather than treated like fragile victims. Life isn’t always fair or even right, and it’s the responsibility of our colleges and universities to help “toughen up” kids that have apparently been way too sheltered to deal with reality. I hope more universities follow this bold lead and will stick to it and honor Constitutionally protected rights for all. Way to go chicago!
Debbie
August 29, 2016 at 11:02 am
Given the fact Ole Miss students rallied to remove the state flag from campus as a collective effort to retaliate against symbols containing references to racism, and considering Ole Miss hosts stage productions and programs others might deem controversial, I’d say Ole Miss students are leading by example when it comes to speaking up as a student body. In my opinion, there will always be exceptions which attempt to tarnish positivity, however civility and mutual respect are the norm & integral to Ole Miss culture.