The Safe Space Debate

There seems to be some discrepancy with what a “safe space” is and isn’t. It’s actually very simple. A safe space is a designated time and/or place where all participants or those otherwise present can expect a basic level of respect. A safe space is not a place to silence all opinions that are not your own. It is a place that acknowledges that, just by existing, a number of marginalized groups are exposed to bigotry constantly, therefore aims to make a place that will accept and protect us. A safe space exists for healing and self-care in the face of hatred and bigotry. They are a place where marginalized groups are given the voice they need to talk about their struggles without the constant threat of being spoken over.

A number of people are of the opinion that this is a violation of free speech. Yes, diversity of opinions should be encouraged, but there is a difference between a civil discussion and being handed the right to invalidate a marginalized group without any consequences. Free speech isn’t a one-time pass on discrimination.

Furthermore, I don’t understand why a basic level of respect has suddenly become “coddling,” why “free speech” has become the right to wear a swastika and get no consequences, why what passes for oppression these days is asking someone to check their privilege at the door instead of being kicked out of your house because someone found out you’re gay.

It may not seem as much of a problem in 2017, but coming out comes with a host of problems. Until 2003, engaging in any sexual activity with anyone of the same sex was a criminal offense that could result in life in prison. This only ended because the court case LAwrence v. Texas found it to be unconstitutional. People nowadays are still harassed, called slurs, laughed at, assaulted, kicked out by their parents, threatened, and even killed for their right to love as they please. For the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community, as well as other marginalized minority groups, having free speech prioritized over a safe space is a terrifying concept that means fears like these can penetrate school zones.

C.H.S. may be mostly accepting and supportive of a lot of marginalized groups, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. There are still too many bigots in the school and not enough people standing up to them. I’ve heard slurs and homophobic insults from so many different students, including some who aren’t openly bigoted. Transphobia is rampant and homophobia rarely addressed. If a student can’t even trust their teachers to respect them as members of the L.G.B.T.Q.+ community, it’s not a safe environment for them.

People who hate queer people love to shut us down. But the second I try to get away from them, I’m a “weak-willed liberal snowflake who can’t handle criticism.” Sorry that my existence offends you, I guess. What kind of weak-willed homophobe snowflake who can’t handle criticism has to get all up in arms over me holding a girl’s hand? That’s not even directed at them, and yet they see fit to not only berate us for it, but to mock us yet again for asking them to stop? The difference between me wearing a pride shirt and another person wearing a pride shirt and another person wearing a Trump shirt is that, while I’m showing my pride in being a part of an oppressed minority group that used to be thrown in prison just for loving, the other person is showing that they support a racist, sexist, homophobic, Islamophobic, ableist man who’s been accused of sexual assault on numerous occasions. I don’t feel safe or respected in a place where people can call me a f*ggot and receive no consequences because of “free speech.” School should be a safe space for minorities, not the people who put them down. Asking someone to respect you shouldn’t be a moral issue. It shouldn’t be a political issue. Safe spaces may offend you, but you should know that as you run from civil discussions, you’re fleeing to your own safe space.