‘Safe Spaces’ and ‘Trigger Warnings’ Out at University of Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — A dean at the University of Chicago has a cut-and-dried warning for incoming freshmen at the school this fall.

There will be no “safe spaces” or “trigger warnings” when it comes to discussion.

Dean of Students Jay Ellison made that clear in a letter addressed to the school’s class of 2020, reiterating the school’s openness to discussion of all kinds and its opposition to censorship.

“Our commitment to academic freedom 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’ where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own,” Ellison wrote in the letter, which was published by the Chicago Maroon locally and other media outlets worldwide.

“Members of our community are encouraged to write, speak, listen, challenge and learn without fear of censorship. Civility and mutual respect are vital to all of us, and freedom of expression does not mean the freedom to harass or threaten others. You will find that we expect members of our community to be engaged in rigorous debate, discussion and even disagreement. At times this may challenge you and even cause discomfort.”

Reaction on social media has come from all corners of the earth, with several people supporting the university’s message and others criticizing it.

The letter has been referred to as “a stand against political correctness.” Others support the message of inclusion, welcoming all backgrounds, beliefs and viewpoints to have a platform.

But some students at the school aren’t happy about the stance, implying it opens the door for overt racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination behind the premise of free speech.

But the letter clearly reads that “diversity of opinion and background is a fundamental strength of our community.”

The Hyde Park institution’s policy is far different from what has been seen at other prominent universities in the city.

Like DePaul, which earlier this year banned conservative speaker Ben Shapiro from campus because his ideas were not in line with most students at the school and administrators feared the possibility of violent protests. DePaul also put an end to a speech in progress by conservative journalist Milo Yiannopoulos when protesters disrupted and nearly violently forced him off the stage.

Student Government at the University of Chicago nearly put a resolution in place in May that would have reaffirmed its commitment to free speech, but that was indefinitely tabled according to the Maroon.

In a welcome letter to freshmen, the College made clear that it does not condone safe spaces or trigger warnings: pic.twitter.com/9ep3n0ZbgV
— The Chicago Maroon (@ChicagoMaroon) August 24, 2016