Free Expression Takes Work

In a welcome letter to incoming freshmen, the University of Chicago took a stand against much-debated trigger warnings and safe spaces on campus. The university's position, the letter insisted, was based on the administration's "commitment to academic freedom" and their dedication to "fostering the free exchange of ideas" and "diversity of opinion and background."

But to those who support trigger warnings and safe spaces, the university's stance is misguided. Cameron Okeke, who wrote a piece for Vox this week titled, "I'm a black UChicago graduate. Safe spaces got me through college," talks with Brooke about why tools like trigger warnings are essential for creating academic environments that live up to the university's stated ideals.