Safe Spaces

Words: 936
Pages: 4

Communication has become convoluted with the expansion of technology and civil discourse. Instead of individuals confronting each other directly, they rely on social media to engage in arguments, often times providing “alternative facts” to prove a point. Because of this, people don’t understand the impact of their actions both in person and online interactions. Empathy and social connection are disregarded because the exchange of ideas is transactional, seeking to win the argument and not to understand another perspective.

This has a negative impact on students and professional staff who identify as part of the minority, including but not limited to, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, gender minorities, and those with disabilities. These individuals are constantly exposed to microagressions that may impact their
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Although it’s imperative that we provide Safe Spaces for minority students to be heard and valued, this does not mean Safe Spaces can’t be used to engage in dialogue surrounding emotion evoking topics. Originally, Safe Spaces were created in the 60’s and 70’s and by the LGBTQ+ community to combat the anti-sodomy laws. According to Kenney’s Mapping Gay L.A, “a safe space meant somewhere you could be out and in good company—at least until cops showed up.” (2001) The term safe space was also adopted by the women’s movement. According to Kenney, women used the word to describe the safety as distance from men. Now safe spaces, although still mostly claimed by the LGBTQ+ community, serve as both a place where diverse minority populations can go to be supported and where ground rules can be set to ensure a space is safe to have difficult conversations around important social