Last week, the University of Chicago released acceptance letters to incoming freshmen stating what they should anticipate upon attending the university. The letter explained the university’s goal to promote freedom of inquiry and expression.
“Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so-called ‘trigger warnings,’ we do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual ‘safe spaces’ where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives other than your own,” the letter said.
As a unit in higher education, the Bonaventure community shared their initial reactions to the university’s letter.
For some Bonnies, the UChicago letter appears to have a negative connotation.
Nichole Gonzalez, executive director for residential living and conduct, said without reading the letter fully the lack of academic ‘safe spaces’ did not sound good to her.
“Here, when students feel challenged or we hear a complaint, we try to handle the issue on an individual basis making sure students feel comfortable in their learning environments,” said Gonzalez.
The letter’s intent was to open students to subjects they may be sheltered from.
Tyler Holmes, a junior marketing major and vice president of his class, said he feels the school does a good job of challenging students and opening them to new topics.
“I think our school does a great job with student interaction and allowing students to debate with professors, especially in classes like the Good Life,” said Holmes. “Most of the professors understand that it’s not about what grade you get in class, but what you take away from the course as experience.”
The letter said that presenters would be allowed to give talks or have discussions on the UChicago campus regardless of subject matter, even if the subject is viewed as an unpopular or controversial opinion.
Holmes agreed with Chicago’s sentiment on the matter of speakers.
“The nice thing about the speakers that come is that they are ones that challenge unpopular ideas or views that don’t like being brought up,” said Holmes. “It exposes you to the real world because outside of school people do not have a filter.”
According to Gonzalez, the school has a balance of challenging students academically and respecting students’ individual beliefs.
“Here at Bonaventure, we are good at not candy coating things and students are exposed to a large range of thoughts and ideas,” said Gonzalez.
fieldsbj14@bonaventure.edu
