The First Amendment is under attack. Across the nation, college students are creating "safe spaces" in protest in which they can go voice their opinion without "fear" of being challenged. Anyone who disagrees or goes against their chosen narrative will be forced out of the safe space. Of course, the idea of challenging beliefs is what higher education is all about; In a recent interview, Harvard professor Alan Dershowitz had this to say on "Safe Spaces":
“They want a safe space for their ideas, well fine, don’t go to college; don’t go to universities. Universities are not gonna give you a safe space for your ideas. Your ideas are gonna be challenged."
Seen here: Alan Dershowitz, clearly a heartless creature.
So why am I writing this article? Well, Melissa Click, an assistant professor of Mass Media at the University of Missouri, made headlines this month when she decided to forcefully remove journalists from the designated "safe space" on campus. I'll say that one more time; Ms. Click had journalists (also students) forcefully removed from a "safe space." That is some beautiful irony.
Pictured Above: Safe Space
Perhaps the most delicious piece of irony is the fact that the same amendment that gives Ms. Click the right to voice her opinion also gives Mr. Tai (the journalist who was removed) the right to document her protest. Our First Amendment to the Constitution gives us all the right to voice our opinions, and in the same breath gives journalists the right to...journal? It gives them the right to report in a public space. Did I mention this "safe space" was on public property? You don't get to make special rules for your special safety zone, either. I can't just designate an area the "no red shirts" zone and declare that everyone in a red shirt must stay away. That is essentially what is happening in these "safe spaces." Anyone who has any other opinion isn't allowed in and if you try to enter, apparently you can face some stiff opposition.
Journalist Tim Tai facing stiff opposition from "Safe Space" protesters. Tim is the man with the camera, not the woman in the beanie.
Don't think that I am some anti-progressive right-wing nut either. I am a very liberal Democrat (gasp?) and most of the time I actually agree with what the protesters in these "safe spaces" believe, but I also believe in free speech. Yes, you have the right to hold any opinion, but others have the right to disagree and even argue against your point. You don't have the right to silence things that "offend" you. I am offended almost every time Trump opens his mouth, but should he be barred from speaking? Of course not. If someone's belief or opinion "offends" you, guess what? You don't get to create a space where that idea can't exist. What can you do? Don't listen, ignore it, or better yet argue against it. What good is a belief if you can't defend and support it?
Pictured Above: Solid Debate Technique
Bottom line is this: Opinions can be controversial, and they can be powerful, but we can not let the solution be "lets only acknowledge people who agree with us." Debate is necessary to recognize new information and come to the best possible conclusion, and for debate to exist we must acknowledge all sides. I'm not saying you have to respect or accept everyone's ideas, but you can not shut them out and force them to be silent.
Disclaimer: The "safe space" in the article is not referring to the LGBT program encouraging people to be themselves and come out, which I fully support. I am referring to protest "Safe Space" for opinions only. I'm not saying bullying or being rude is OK, I'm just saying shutting out dissenting opinions is not the right way to form or support a believe. Reality isn't yours to shape, people disagree, and that is OK.
