Morton Schapiro, president and a professor of economics at Northwestern University, identifies four myths about safe spaces on college campuses in this commentary published in the Opinion section of The Chicago Tribune.
Schapiro argues safe spaces:
- are not unique to college campuses
- foster spirited arguments about the most difficult topics imaginable
- give participants the courage to engage in uncomfortable learning
- promote the principles of free speech and dispassionate inquiry.
"So maybe safe spaces mean something very different than you might think," he concludes. "Campuses have a great deal in common with the rest of society.
"They are challenging, stimulating, rewarding and sometimes downright daunting. Just as they are meant to be."