4 thoughts on “Policy Options Brief on College Safe Spaces”
Jamie-
I definitely agree with your position and truly understand the importance of having safe spaces for students on campuses. I appreciate that you provided a great background regarding the opposition to safe spaces. It’s truly a shame that groups, such as the right wing, have taken issue with something that could mean so much to a small group. You did a great job on touching upon why safe spaces are important, but I would have loved for you to explore how they contribute to promoting mental health services on campus. As college students stray further from home, I would love to see how these spaces help them deal with the “shock” of being on their own for the first time and how these spaces help when it comes to facing a campus of white, affluent students as you point out.
In this case, I believe your first proposal is the way to go. Campus wide discussion is healthy and beneficial to all. I am glad that you acknowledged that protests could be slightly extreme. Also, unfortunately, not everyone feels that this is a priority and I am not sure how many students you would get to protest. It’s so key to be in communication with campus officials and utilize student liaisons. I think it’s also important for students, who find success with safe spaces, should make sure that their work is recognized. Once this becomes popular on major campuses, other campuses will be sure to follow.
Great work!
Jacqui
Hi Jamie,
I found this topic very interesting because it is something I knew little about beforehand. I am wondering, other than a potential violation of free speech, what might concern colleges about safe spaces?
Another thought that I had regarding this issue was defining safe spaces and setting norms and best practices that the student body, administration and professors adhere to. The first step would be defining what a safe space is and what are guidelines and policies that could benefit marginalized students without causing a perceived disruption of the institutional standards. Is there an opportunity to set up a national group of representatives from schools across the country to join together to discuss the most effective use of safe spaces?
Hi Jamie,
WOW! I must be honest. This piece was so eloquently laid out. At times I felt that your policy memo had a poetic tone to it. I personally had no knowledge on safe spaces before you talked about it in class earlier this semester. Nonetheless, let’s get to the guidelines.
1) Is the case for the seriousness of the problem sufficient?
If I may, to answer this question specifically, I certainly became engaged in the issue you pose; however, I didn’t feel as much the “urgency” per se. Yes – we have the need to allow students to feel that they have the freedom and security and institutions need to mobilize this idea even further, but I think if there was a case you can cite or reference where the lack of safe spaces had a negative outcome, your argument could be even more compelling.
2) Can you think of any options not mentioned by the author(s) that might solve the problem? What are they?
I think the options you mentioned are well argued. I don’t consider myself an expert but what I would say is perhaps having a third option could allow more institution administrators to feel like they have more from where to choose. I know you mention protests as an alternative to reacting to the lack of safe spaces, but thinking more with the mindset of a school dean or head of the regional college association, I wouldn’t want protests as an alternative.
3) Do you have all the information you need to make a decision about which option(s) to choose? What more would it be helpful to know?
This memo is well documented with sources and backup information as well as historical background. I would certainly move forward in making my decision after reading this memo.
4) Which option or options seem best to you? Why?
I think I would side more with the mandatory campus-wide convocation events. I think this is an excellent way to raise awareness campus-wide. Although facilitating spaces (rooms/areas) will aid those that have been traumatized or harmed in any way, shape or form, it limits in a way the scope of the impact.
Policy Memo – Safe Spaces – Response Panel
Panel:
Kim Ferguson
Jacqui Schlossberg
Bryttnee Parris
Daniel Muniz
During the 2016 Presidential election, Donald Trump normalized racism and bigotry in the United States. After his election, there has been an increase in hate speech and violent hate crimes. As such, now, more than ever, marginalized groups need places to feel safe when expressing their fears and frustrations without judgement or the threat of violence. This is an opportune time to set up Safe Spaces around the country at public universities.
Jamie did a fantastic job in presenting the “case for a Safe Space.” He fortified his argument by properly defining Safe Spaces, a concept that perhaps the panel may have not fully understood had it not been for his very well elaborated definition. He also, interestingly enough, provided an Urban Dictionary definition of “Safe Space” which allowed the panel to understand the idea behind Safe Spaces from a pop culture point of view. Jamie also properly provided the history behind Safe Spaces, strengthening even more his argument. It appears that minority groups have battled for Safe Spaces for years. The issue has been on the table way longer than many may think. Lastly, Jamie did a great a job of providing examples of specific college campuses that have been key to the fight for Safe Spaces, like Yale University and the University of Chicago. One thing we believe Jamie could have done was incorporate how existing Safe Spaces have helped students campus wide. Perhaps, student testimonials or statistics supporting this notion would be helpful to his argument.
There seems to be a great deal of push back about the concept of Safe Spaces. One reason why many are pushing back against utilizing safe spaces has been the threat to freedom of speech. We believe that we may require more information about the rationale behind the fear and conceptions of Safe Spaces. There may need to be more information about the specifics of campus fears about safe spaces, including any and all surveys conducted on the subject.
While we do inquire for more information about the opposition of safe spaces, an alternate argument in pro of safe spaces elucidates the idea that understand that often safe spaces create freedom of speech for marginalized groups. Often times, students may feel that a classroom setting teaches to the majority and conflicting ideologies are often dismissed or not validated in this environment. Enabling safe spaces with safe interactions will allow students to discuss their feelings and unfamiliar concepts with others. The creation of safe spaces could be a catalyst of empowering freedom of speech in the classroom.
Another way to dispel misconceptions about Safe Spaces is through education. If Safe Spaces are considered a norm on campuses, then information should be provided about their purpose at freshmen orientation. Perhaps there should be a national organization of the university/college level Safe Spaces. As a unified group, there can be a campaign to provide information on what a “Safe Space” is, the benefits and to alleviate concerns about free speech.
The three proposals that were provided to the panel were to establish faculty and student empathy seminars, to establish an administrative body to preside over Safe Spaces and to expand mental health counseling on campuses. One thing that the panel really appreciated was that Jamie did not just mandate that public universities establish Safe Spaces immediately. Rather, he took the education route. However, that being said, the three aforementioned proposals cannot stand alone. It will be important for public universities to intertwine various aspects of each policy option in order to succeed. We, the panel, suggest that case studies may aid in finding additional methods in how the concept of Safe Spaces can be more palatable to the not-so-optimist. U.S. demographics vary greatly from State to State. Ideologies and sentiments towards Safe Spaces may be perceived in a different manner than the more progressive regions. These findings can allow other schools to borrow strategies and mechanisms towards introducing the student community more with the idea of Safe Spaces. This will allow a smooth transition and will embrace more the needs of those who feel marginalized and secluded at times from others. The first proposal presented is one of the most important arguments. It is definitely important to educate the faculty, because they are key leaders on campuses. While students come and go, faculty tends to be at an establishment for much longer than four years.
Jamie-
I definitely agree with your position and truly understand the importance of having safe spaces for students on campuses. I appreciate that you provided a great background regarding the opposition to safe spaces. It’s truly a shame that groups, such as the right wing, have taken issue with something that could mean so much to a small group. You did a great job on touching upon why safe spaces are important, but I would have loved for you to explore how they contribute to promoting mental health services on campus. As college students stray further from home, I would love to see how these spaces help them deal with the “shock” of being on their own for the first time and how these spaces help when it comes to facing a campus of white, affluent students as you point out.
In this case, I believe your first proposal is the way to go. Campus wide discussion is healthy and beneficial to all. I am glad that you acknowledged that protests could be slightly extreme. Also, unfortunately, not everyone feels that this is a priority and I am not sure how many students you would get to protest. It’s so key to be in communication with campus officials and utilize student liaisons. I think it’s also important for students, who find success with safe spaces, should make sure that their work is recognized. Once this becomes popular on major campuses, other campuses will be sure to follow.
Great work!
Jacqui
Hi Jamie,
I found this topic very interesting because it is something I knew little about beforehand. I am wondering, other than a potential violation of free speech, what might concern colleges about safe spaces?
Another thought that I had regarding this issue was defining safe spaces and setting norms and best practices that the student body, administration and professors adhere to. The first step would be defining what a safe space is and what are guidelines and policies that could benefit marginalized students without causing a perceived disruption of the institutional standards. Is there an opportunity to set up a national group of representatives from schools across the country to join together to discuss the most effective use of safe spaces?
Hi Jamie,
WOW! I must be honest. This piece was so eloquently laid out. At times I felt that your policy memo had a poetic tone to it. I personally had no knowledge on safe spaces before you talked about it in class earlier this semester. Nonetheless, let’s get to the guidelines.
1) Is the case for the seriousness of the problem sufficient?
If I may, to answer this question specifically, I certainly became engaged in the issue you pose; however, I didn’t feel as much the “urgency” per se. Yes – we have the need to allow students to feel that they have the freedom and security and institutions need to mobilize this idea even further, but I think if there was a case you can cite or reference where the lack of safe spaces had a negative outcome, your argument could be even more compelling.
2) Can you think of any options not mentioned by the author(s) that might solve the problem? What are they?
I think the options you mentioned are well argued. I don’t consider myself an expert but what I would say is perhaps having a third option could allow more institution administrators to feel like they have more from where to choose. I know you mention protests as an alternative to reacting to the lack of safe spaces, but thinking more with the mindset of a school dean or head of the regional college association, I wouldn’t want protests as an alternative.
3) Do you have all the information you need to make a decision about which option(s) to choose? What more would it be helpful to know?
This memo is well documented with sources and backup information as well as historical background. I would certainly move forward in making my decision after reading this memo.
4) Which option or options seem best to you? Why?
I think I would side more with the mandatory campus-wide convocation events. I think this is an excellent way to raise awareness campus-wide. Although facilitating spaces (rooms/areas) will aid those that have been traumatized or harmed in any way, shape or form, it limits in a way the scope of the impact.
Policy Memo – Safe Spaces – Response Panel
Panel:
Kim Ferguson
Jacqui Schlossberg
Bryttnee Parris
Daniel Muniz
During the 2016 Presidential election, Donald Trump normalized racism and bigotry in the United States. After his election, there has been an increase in hate speech and violent hate crimes. As such, now, more than ever, marginalized groups need places to feel safe when expressing their fears and frustrations without judgement or the threat of violence. This is an opportune time to set up Safe Spaces around the country at public universities.
Jamie did a fantastic job in presenting the “case for a Safe Space.” He fortified his argument by properly defining Safe Spaces, a concept that perhaps the panel may have not fully understood had it not been for his very well elaborated definition. He also, interestingly enough, provided an Urban Dictionary definition of “Safe Space” which allowed the panel to understand the idea behind Safe Spaces from a pop culture point of view. Jamie also properly provided the history behind Safe Spaces, strengthening even more his argument. It appears that minority groups have battled for Safe Spaces for years. The issue has been on the table way longer than many may think. Lastly, Jamie did a great a job of providing examples of specific college campuses that have been key to the fight for Safe Spaces, like Yale University and the University of Chicago. One thing we believe Jamie could have done was incorporate how existing Safe Spaces have helped students campus wide. Perhaps, student testimonials or statistics supporting this notion would be helpful to his argument.
There seems to be a great deal of push back about the concept of Safe Spaces. One reason why many are pushing back against utilizing safe spaces has been the threat to freedom of speech. We believe that we may require more information about the rationale behind the fear and conceptions of Safe Spaces. There may need to be more information about the specifics of campus fears about safe spaces, including any and all surveys conducted on the subject.
While we do inquire for more information about the opposition of safe spaces, an alternate argument in pro of safe spaces elucidates the idea that understand that often safe spaces create freedom of speech for marginalized groups. Often times, students may feel that a classroom setting teaches to the majority and conflicting ideologies are often dismissed or not validated in this environment. Enabling safe spaces with safe interactions will allow students to discuss their feelings and unfamiliar concepts with others. The creation of safe spaces could be a catalyst of empowering freedom of speech in the classroom.
Another way to dispel misconceptions about Safe Spaces is through education. If Safe Spaces are considered a norm on campuses, then information should be provided about their purpose at freshmen orientation. Perhaps there should be a national organization of the university/college level Safe Spaces. As a unified group, there can be a campaign to provide information on what a “Safe Space” is, the benefits and to alleviate concerns about free speech.
The three proposals that were provided to the panel were to establish faculty and student empathy seminars, to establish an administrative body to preside over Safe Spaces and to expand mental health counseling on campuses. One thing that the panel really appreciated was that Jamie did not just mandate that public universities establish Safe Spaces immediately. Rather, he took the education route. However, that being said, the three aforementioned proposals cannot stand alone. It will be important for public universities to intertwine various aspects of each policy option in order to succeed. We, the panel, suggest that case studies may aid in finding additional methods in how the concept of Safe Spaces can be more palatable to the not-so-optimist. U.S. demographics vary greatly from State to State. Ideologies and sentiments towards Safe Spaces may be perceived in a different manner than the more progressive regions. These findings can allow other schools to borrow strategies and mechanisms towards introducing the student community more with the idea of Safe Spaces. This will allow a smooth transition and will embrace more the needs of those who feel marginalized and secluded at times from others. The first proposal presented is one of the most important arguments. It is definitely important to educate the faculty, because they are key leaders on campuses. While students come and go, faculty tends to be at an establishment for much longer than four years.