Universities develop new program for students across campus

Safe spaces are contrary to what universities are about.

 More than 20 colleges from Kansas to California offer a program where anyone can relax and be able to fully express themselves without fear and hate from other students. It is a place where the rules guard each person’s self respect and dignity. This program is called safe space. The idea that some university boards and administrations now bow to pressure and shield students from these ideas through “safe spaces” and  “code words” is a terrible mistake.

     These safe spaces are open for anyone who feels uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of their biological sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious affiliation, age, or physical/mental health. The problems with these safe spaces are that the real world is full of homophobia, sexism and racism. This is not a daycare, it is a university. The purpose of a college experience is not to make students feel as if they are in a well-insulated bubble.

       Sadly, this is just a way out. These safe spaces defeat the purpose of colleges and education as well as to learn and deal with difficult situations; not go to hide in a corner and cry to the Dean. We can not do this and we should not try — not in politics or in the workplace. In the global economy, and in a democratic society, an open mind is the most valuable asset one can possess. A rise in extreme partisanship and intolerance for others views is a disturbing change in the nature of American politics.
     I would remind them that so many of the movements they hold dear got to where they are because of free speech like the Civil Rights movement. The more one tries to insulate oneself from contrary ideas, the weaker one’s arguments are going to be.