Safe Spaces
By: Kylee Jennings
What are Safe Spaces?
A Safe Space is a place where anyone can relax and [are] able to fully express, without fear of being made to feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, or unsafe on account of biological sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, cultural background, religious affiliation, age, or physical or mental ability. (safespacenetwork.tumblr.com)
Why are Safe Spaces Important?
According to the “National Institute of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics,” the percentage of rape victimization among women is between 20% and 25%.
USA TODAY reported that 55% of college students have thought of suicide, 18% have considered it, and 8% have attempted it.
With Safe Spaces, these individuals have a place they know they can go to feel comfortable, to express themselves openly and listen to others ideas, thoughts, and experiences.
It is not a place to be “coddled,” as urbandictionary.com states, but rather a place to be accepted and understood.
Safe Spaces at School
College can be difficult for most people — juggling classes, hours of homework and study, work, family, and social life. All of this can be even more detrimental for people who are harassed, have daunting histories, or mental health issues.
Having Safe Spaces on school campuses would not only create a space for these students to be able to take a “breather,” it would also be a place for people to meet others like themselves, giving them the opportunity to feel less alone in their situations. Meeting others who are going through or have gone through the same difficulties could mean discovering new ways to deal with day-to-day life from others experiences. This could be new hobbies, art, or copping mechanisms. In turn, this could potentially help students part of the Safe Space increase productivity and motivation for school and life.
What are Trigger Warnings?
Trigger warnings are brief disclosure at the beginning of messages or images that includes anything of a sensitive nature. The “Huffington Post” explains that triggers are complex, unpredictable and highly individualistic.
Why are Trigger Warnings Important?
With trigger warnings people are made aware of content that may evoke pain and/or fear.
Trigger Words Around Campus
For years now, there has been a known debate about whether or not schools should use trigger warnings. If schools were to enforce the use of trigger warnings, it would be as simple as weaving in disclosures throughout class syllabus’, adding warnings at the start of class if needed, and posting any sensitive material that may be present in any event around campus.
Now that you have basic knowledge on what Safe Spaces and trigger warnings are, do you believe they should be incorporated into our college experience, here at ICC?