The topic of free speech is a large one, even if only limited to the realm of academia, and I do not plan to cover it all today. Most of the articles I have read on the subject discuss why free speech is so important (mostly research) and why the abandonment of the tenure system is devastating to free speech. While I am including a block quote from Giroux, I want instead to provide more of a student's perspective on why free speech matters.
And that means that I have deal with the more frustrating question of "trigger warnings." (Not sure if this post needs a trigger warning, but if you think so, tell me in the comments....)
And that means that I have deal with the more frustrating question of "trigger warnings." (Not sure if this post needs a trigger warning, but if you think so, tell me in the comments....)
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While students are often more politically aware and active than they are given credit for, the questions of tenure or their professors' research aren't necessarily their number one priorities. Instead, students are more concerned with their free speech and with the speech of their professors in the classroom.
Unfortunately, with the increasing demands for "trigger warnings," it seems that some students are becoming more and more vocal about restricting their professors' speech. Even though they do so with the intention of creating a more inclusive and safe environment, their demands are contributing to an atmosphere of restraint. Even as I recognize the negative outcomes of their demands, I recognize the reasoning behind those demands. I have never been abused or assaulted, and so I can never quite comprehend the horror of having to sit in class and discuss a situation all too similar to my own. The closest I have gotten was when I took a Social Stratification class, which I voluntarily took because of my interest in personal inequality and which led to several suicide attempts (see previous post). |
I do think that it would not be a bad idea for the professor to mention on the first day of class that the course may potentially cover offensive or triggering materials. Put that in the syllabus too - it's good in case of liability! But free discourse has to be free. The more restrictions and limitations and so on that we put on it, the less good it will do anybody. (In a later post I will talk more about why offensive ideas should be tolerated rather than silenced.)
I understand and sympathize with the call for trigger warnings, but I think they ought to be individual professors' decisions rather than a mandated requirement because I am skeptical of any and all restrictions on free speech.
I understand and sympathize with the call for trigger warnings, but I think they ought to be individual professors' decisions rather than a mandated requirement because I am skeptical of any and all restrictions on free speech.