The University of Chicago has warned the incoming freshman class of 2020 to not expect to have “safe spaces” created for them during their four year stint at the University. Dean of Students John (Jay) Ellison sent a letter to incoming students warning them that the university will not support “trigger warnings” and will not cancel events or speakers that may cause some students to feel a need to visit their “safe spaces.” Ellison has justified the though-love no-nonsense attitude by stating that the number one interest of the school is to create a truly open academic setting in which all ideas are open to debate and discussion.
Letter sent to incoming freshmen at the University of Chicago.
The University is one of the top-ranked colleges in the United States. The highly selective school only accepts 8% of the 31,000 students that apply on a yearly basis. The college is committed to guarding and growing their reputation as a top university, even if it means they may make some students feel uncomfortable in the process.
The University’s letter is a stark contrast to the pro-politically correct culture that many American universities are embracing. While other universities are creating safe spaces and even building escape hatches to avoid unruly student protestors the University of Chicago seems intent on forcing their students to confront ideas that may make them uncomfortable, or may even disagree with, in the interest of providing them with a high quality education.
The letter also includes a link to the following webpage:
Webpage found in letter to incoming freshmen at the University of Chicago
The webpage features a quote from former University staffers President Robert J. Zimmer and Provost Eric D. Isaacs that reiterates Ellison’s point that a high-quality education comes before protecting a students feelings or making them feel comfortable.
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