Last week, a letter from the University of Chicago Dean of Students John Ellison was sent out to incoming freshmen. The letter details the university’s policy of academic freedom and expression. Ellison goes on to explain how college is a time in which students will be encouraged to debate, discuss and face opposing viewpoints, sometimes to the point of discomfort. U. of C. makes it very clear that it will not support ‘trigger warnings’ (used to notify students of any sensitive or possibly traumatic material covered in a class) nor will it permit the creation of ‘safe spaces’ for students to shield themselves from said sensitive material. Additionally, the University of Chicago will never remove a speaker from their schedule just because he or she is controversial, a practice which has become somewhat common at many schools across the country.
The whole point of a university experience is for a person to become universal, to immerse himself or herself in a diverse community of people and ideas. With 7 billion people on the planet, or even just the 30,000 at your school, it is completely inevitable that you will come across someone with a different viewpoint than you. To discuss your political views, religion or race with a complete stranger can be downright uncomfortable, but that is the beauty of the experience, and furthermore, of our country that allows us to challenge each other and grow as people past our 12 year compulsory education. I applaud the University of Chicago for remaining committed to the freedom of expression and I hope they can be a role model for other institutions in the future.
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