Are 'safe' spaces on campus a threat to freedom of speech? | Rob Byrne | TEDxUniversityofKent

Are 'safe spaces' on campus a threat to freedom of speech? Rob Byrne’s talk problematizes the notion that academia has ever been a ‘safe space’ and discusses what this safety constitutes, and looks like in practice.
Rob Byrne, 23, is a 3rd year Social Sciences student at UKC, Medway. His presentation ‘Are “safe spaces” on campus a threat to freedom of speech?’ problematizes the notion that academia has ever been a ‘safe space’, as well as discusses what this safety constitutes, and looks like in practice. It looks to address the balancing act that universities and student unions engage in as they attempt to secure academic freedom for all, whilst alongside maintaining as much protection for students with marginalized identities as possible, without ignoring, too, and of course, the role the media has played in informing this dialogue.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@rue883]

If a person is affected by ptsd or something akin to this, they should seek a safe space in a church, community center, therapy space, or with family. It is not reasonable to expect any such place in a university classroom or lecture hall. No student has all the facts. No student has their arguments ready. That is why they go to the university. The only truly safe space is one where you can speak your mind, especially if you are wrong, and have a discussion without getting in any type of trouble. This is the only way that learning is possible.

[@fastpitchmermaid4550]

R S so much yes. I’m so aggravated with the safe space at my campus. I feel like we’re regressing due to safe spaces instead of progressing.

[@jeggsonvohees2201]

R S Ironically, what college is supposed to be.

[@snakeyman5560]

But you should be called out if you are wrong.

[@mysteryguy793]

@@snakeyman5560 True. On the other hand. Many who demand the safe space or the removal of that safe space. Only want one thing. To be able to call out others but without the others having any other option. Bigots, homophobes and people who live to litteraly and control others will never be ok for the other person to have a safe space. But God forbid you touch theirs.

[@billrich9722]

@@mysteryguy793 Hey, people can’t control their phobias. It’s not right for you to bash somebody for their uncontrollable fears.

[@onetwo19]

I've always been skeptical because conservative students are not
encouraged to have a safe space, mentally ill students either, Deaf
students either. Spaces are reserved for select political bends and select groups.

[@ab8588]

There are churches on campus

[@billrich9722]

This is such a weird concept.
Look, if people want to put together a little padded area so they can de-stress, then fine. Whatever. You do you.
The problem that I want to cover here, well, it comes in when that little zone of control starts to expand. When it stops being an option for people to choose to join and starts actively limiting freedoms, then it becomes a problem.

[@Peter_Siri]

That is a very articulate argument Byrne has delivered. It really is difficult to mandate countermeasures against emotional harm. Therefore, the conditions for which emotional trauma is likely to occur must be handled accordingly.

[@gregoriosamsa2722]

They most definitely are

[@rue883]

When you evoke Mills, you are a big leap, suggesting he stopped at physical violence because psychological violence was too hard to pin down. I suggest that Mills stopped because of self determination. If someone “attacks” you verbally, you can resist by controlling your own mind. But a physical attack cannot be. If you are having trouble controlling your phone own mind, maybe that is the place to start, rather than forcing everyone who is not you to conform to your needs. I’m not saying this to be mean, I’ve been there, and it was a benefit to me and the people around me to deal with my issues.

[@trapplachiareports6710]

As atrocious as defenses like these were of the grossly vulnerable academic classes of 2017--they just seem downright shameful in a post-pandemic world. I'm more sorry than anything for precious darlings like this today. At least this one grasps the authoritianism of his position. The Global North is doomed, as it should be.

[@franticranter]

In what way is it authoritarian?

[@FrancescaGeorgiou]

Very well said

[@tomwynnowen7566]

Very interesting, well done Rob!