The Age of Change is among us. The United States is much different than it was a century ago, even a decade ago. We have seen many social justice movements on the rise in recent years—anti-bullying, gay rights, racial and gender equality. And they all find a connection through the new version of the "safe space." This idea, which was originally a place where women in the 60s and 70s could escape patriarchically-minded men, is now being proposed as a necessity for rape victims and LGBTQ students in colleges and universities.
This new "safer space" would supposedly provide an environment without judgment, emotional triggers, or discrimination of any kind. This, by definition, limits one's freedom of speech. This would restrict a student, who is supposed to have the ability to ask questions and voice opinions about any topic worth discussion, to only discuss approved topics and approved opinions.
A college or university is bound by its own basic definition to give its student population the freedom to think and explore in their own way through healthy classroom conversation to enhance understanding of a subject. Integration and marginalization of diverse groups of people is what makes college such a learning experience, and allows students to adapt their behaviors and communication to a societal way of living. The world is not a nice place,re or a safe space.
If the desire of the LGBTQ community is to be accepted and feel welcome like normal members of society, then why is there a desire to box up and keep separate a huge percentage in the diverse student population? Why sacrifice going through college experiences, learning from them, growing as a person, and becoming confident enough to take on the world. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently stated that “the whole purpose of college is to learn how to deal with difficult situations- not run away from them.”
These dangers associated with the LGBTQ community and potential triggers within the rape victim student population all stem from insensitivity. This is all understandable. No one should be made to feel inferior for their sexual orientation, gender, religion, race, or ethnicity or uncomfortable about themselves based on their past, but this claim of “should” doesn’t mean we can take away anyone's freedom of speech or expression of opinion. The stereotypical United States university has always been a place where ideas can be freely explored, concepts can be freely discussed, and beliefs can be challenged. Not a place to put a tariff on student’s college experience.
Overall, the layout of safe spaces can use some modification, and should never be forced upon a university that handles or is willing to deal with these issues effectively in their own manner. Colleges are unique in their approaches to combatting issues and safeguarding its students’ individual freedoms, and should be allowed to continue with their methods. Safe Spaces’ inclusion in universities will do nothing more than shield future United States intellectuals, employees, voters, citizens, and parents from how the real world functions. The United States has prided itself on being the Land of the Free, now let’s not limit freedom for anybody.
