But they’ve still got some work to do.
The University of Chicago is tired of the immature “trigger-warning,” “safe-space” BS found on college campuses and it’s not putting up with it any more.
In a letter to the incoming class of 2020, the university warns its students that in the interest of academic freedom, critical inquiry, and common decency, the university will require its students to engage each other critically — even with those that might disagree with them! GASP!
The letter reads:
Welcome and congratulations on your acceptance to the college at the University of Chicago. Earning a place in our community of scholars is no small achievement and we are delighted that you selected Chicago to continue your intellectual journey.
Once here you will discover that one of the University of Chicago’s defining characteristics is our commitment to freedom of inquiry and expression. … Members of our community are encouraged to speak, write, 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.
And then they drop this:
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.
10/10. Wow. Beautiful. Much applause. Such freedom.
But wait. What’s this?
It looks like the Office of LGBT Student Life currently runs a “safe space” program to create “welcoming physical spaces on campus where LGBTQ students can have a conversation with students, staff and faculty knowing that they have a basic understanding of the challenges these students face in developing their identities.”
Is the university somehow unwelcoming if it doesn’t provide special physical locations carved out for certain students to “have a conversation with students, staff, and faculty knowing that they have a basic understanding of the challenges these students face in developing their identities?”
How does that square with “we do not condone the creation of intellectual ‘safe spaces'”?
Looks like the University of Chicago still has some work to do.
Source: Trigger warning: Univ. of Chicago declares NO MORE SAFE SPACES!
