The University of Chicago made a bold declaration of its stand on not observing the trigger warning and safe space.
A letter sent by the dean addressed to the incoming freshmen revealed that the university is committed to the academic freedom of expression and inquiry. The class of 2020 was made aware that the UC will keep the said commitment in spite of the increase in the number of universities using trigger warnings.
Trigger warnings are now being used across the country to protect students from incidents that may cause a traumatically deep effect, according to the survey conducted last year by the National Coalition Against Censorship. Some of the trauma causing and oppressing incidents include classism, racism, sexism, cissexism, heterosexism and ableism, The Washington Times reported.
Some speakers whom the university sees as under pressure from students had their speaking engagements at trigger warning observing universities prevents them from speaking about topics that might be controversial.
Some universities, on the other hand, builds spaces wherein calming music, pillows, blankets, videos of cute puppies, Play-Doh's and cookies are the highlight. These safe spaces were created for the purpose of making students retreat from their stressful and anxious situations.
These privileges are what exactly the University of Chicago dean specified in the letter they sent to every student entering UC for the first time. A part of the letter stated how the university considers civility and mutual respect. However, the University of Chicago clarified that they believe that freedom of expression does not mean freedom to threaten and harass others.
The letter also said that UC sees freedom of expression and inquiry as one of the institution's pillars that's why it does not support trigger warnings and offer safe spaces.
The UC announcement comes in the midst of universities and colleges' struggle to maintain the balance between protecting and preserving cultural sensitivities and advocate the freedom of speech, The Reason.com reported.
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