University Of Chicago Shuts Down Millennials: Does Not Support ‘Trigger Warnings’ At School

A welcome letter sent by the University of Chicago this week to incoming freshmen warned them that they might hear things that might make them uncomfortable and that the university does not support “trigger warnings” as part of its commitment to freedom of expression.

“Dear Class of 2020 student,” the welcome letter from the school’s Dean of Students John Ellison begins. It goes on to explain the university’s commitment to freedom of expression and inquiry. Students “are encouraged to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn without fear of censorship.” 

The letter goes on:

“Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so-called trigger warnings, we do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual ‘safe spaces’ where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own.”

Opening up the campus environment to mirror the real world is commendable. Once students graduate, they will be expected to handle and work with a spectrum of voices and beliefs as adults.  And speaking as someone who has attended many conferences where “safe spaces” and “trigger warnings” were set as policy important discussions became worthless because there can never be a counter-point opinion.

The letter also states that the environment the university is seeking is one of civility and mutual respect, not harassment. Given our millennial generation’s tendency to be “too PC,” it is commendable that the University of Chicago is taking a stand to challenge that.

Todays students need to be reminded that a university does not exist to coddle their notions but to challenge and expand them.

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” – Aristotle