(PCM) The University of Chicago is one of the most prestigious universities in the country and are well-known for being incredibly selective with their admissions. Recently, a letter which was sent out to the incoming freshman class warning them not to expect “safe spaces” or a trigger-free college experience has gone viral after being shared via social media.
The class of 2020 received a letter from the Dean and other college officials that explained at great length that the University of Chicago prides itself on its’ unwavering commitment to both freedom of inquiry and freedom of expression. The letter informed incoming students that civility and mutual respect are vital elements to the campus experience, however they will not shield students from unpopular ideas or opinions.
The letter went on to say “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”.
One of the reasons that the “no safe spaces” letter from the University of Chicago is making waves is that it goes completely in the opposite direction of so many other universities in the country. Those institutions go above and beyond to hide and protect students from certain ideas that they may find to be offensive or disturbing. The University of Chicago is ripping off the band-aid and frankly, it is something that needs to be done.
We think that the quote found within the letter from former University of Chicago president Hanna Holborn Gray sums it up the best by saying “education should not be intended to make people comfortable, it is meant to make them think.” These days everyone is offended by everything and many use that as an excuse to run away and hide or start some kind of ridiculous protest. When is it ever going to stop? There is nothing wrong with protesting or disagreeing with someone whose thoughts or ideas do not match your own, however everyone is due equal respect as we all share the same Constitutional rights.
