Safe spaces have been frequently criticized claimingthey doesn’t allow everyone to have freedom of speech. It also criticizes thatsafe spaces are too sheltered, when the material needs to be discussed in aneducational environment. The term “safe space” was recognized in universitiesto students who feel marginalized by their gender, beliefs, or ideas. The safespace does not tolerate harassment against those who feel marginalized. Ibelieve universities should provide students with safe spaces forcommunication. Safe spaces allow students to be able to fullyexpress themselves without fearing being made uncomfortable. A safe space alsoallows students to respect each others opinions and no one is supposed to feelunwelcome.
Safe spaces are commonly used in LGBTQ communities and discussions.The symbol stands for alliance with gay rights and is a space free fromhomophobia.Many LGBTQ college students fear being left out,harassed, or even bullied in a class environment.
According to safe space, ” ASafe Space Program has been shown to be an effective tool for helping LGBTQstudents feel safe and included in the college community.” By creating thissafe space students will be able to express their opinions without hurtingothers feelings. In this safe space students will also be informed correctterminology about gender and sex so that no one feels attacked. I think that itis important for classmates to feel comfortable around one another and respecteach other as well.Advocates for Youth is another organization thatsupports safe spaces for young people of all sexual orientations and genderidentities. Advocates for Youth define a safe space as “a place where anyonecan relax and be fully self-expressed, without fear of being made to feeluncomfortable, unwelcome or challenged on account of biological sex,race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, culturalbackground, age, or physical or mental ability; a place where the rules guardeach person’s self-respect, dignity and feelings and strongly encourageeveryone to respect others.” They are not solely focused on the LGBTQcommunity, but more of anyone who feels marginalized in a classroomenvironment. Campus advocacy groups also are in alliance with providing safespaces for students.
It is important that students who have gone through traumaor feel marginalized are just as comfortable as the rest of their classmates.Safe spaces also advocate that instructors aretrained correctly for creating a safe space. This way the instructor will notmarginalize anyone by creating the safe space in the first place.
Theseinstructors are taught that there are rules such as no interrupting, refrainingfrom judgement, and not pressuring any student who does not feel comfortable toopen up to talk. Adopting such practices as creating a safe space isimportant for students who have encountered trauma or feel marginalized. It isimportant that universities allow every student to feel comfortable and berespected in the classroom. Without creating a safe space students areoverpowered by anxiety and the fear of being judged.
Therefor, I believe thatuniversities should create safe spaces for communication.