Be prepared to step outside your comfort zone, new students at The University of Chicago have been told. The school won’t cancel speakers or offer an intellectual safe space should you not like what you hear on campus.
A letter sent to the class of 2020 from the university’s dean of students, John Ellison, has been making waves online for its blunt message on campus environment.
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One of the university’s “defining characteristics” is its commitment to freedom of inquiry and expression, the letters states.
“Members of our community are encouraged to speak, write, listen, challenge and learn, without fear of censorship.”
Harassment or threats will not be tolerated, the letter makes clear. But the institution expects members of its community “to be engaged in rigorous debate, discussion and even disagreement.”
The university will not support “trigger warnings” — when students are warned subjects or readings have sensitive or provocative content.
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Speakers with controversial views won’t be blocked from appearing at the college.
And students will not be allowed an intellectual “safe space” to avoid ideas or perspectives different from their own.
The University’s school paper tweeted a photo of the letter Wednesday.
According to the Chicago Maroon, the university recently reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to free speech following three “high-profile” cases of speakers invited to campus being shut down or interrupted by protests.
The dean’s letter has been both praised and criticized by students on campus, the student paper reports.
Global News contacted the University of Chicago for comment, but did not hear back by time of publication.
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