This article from the journal of multicultural affairs highlights the complex relationship between trigger warnings, academic freedom for instructors, and the academic freedoms of students in higher education. The author is saying that unclear language in academic freedom policies and the overlap between legal and institutional control could lead to restrictions on what teachers can do in class. They also mention that students' academic freedoms are often overlooked, leading to too much focus on teachers' rights. The text argues that the debate about trigger warnings adds to the confusion about what teachers can say in class. It suggests that we need to review these policies to make sure they protect both teachers and students, creating a fair balance in higher education. The most important points to cover: - Some people think that trigger warnings limit teachers' academic freedom, which is basically their right to explore intellectual topics without worrying about negative consequences. - despite students asking for trigger warnings in higher education, very few universities have actually put these policies in place. Professors strongly oppose trigger warnings, saying they limit their freedom to teach. They suggest that any material could contain some triggers and they have to be aware of them in all of their curriculums’ subjects. Professors and teachers are concerned about the material they deem appropriate for their courses and lessons. What material would that leave if anything could be a trigger? - Trigger warnings can change what's taught in class and make professors afraid to discuss certain topics or viewpoints because they might upset students. - Today, when people talk about "trigger" warnings, they might mean any topic that could make someone uncomfortable, not just traumatic ones. This can include things like politics, bugs, nudity, blood, or religion. - People who talk about trigger warnings often worry about censorship and avoiding tough topics. They're concerned this might make education too easy and students might struggle with harder subjects. This could lead to students who feel less confident dealing with complex issues. - Today, trigger warnings appear as an excuse to avoid controversial topics and to silence opinions that cause discomfort. - some people say that trigger warnings are a way to be kind and considerate of others' personal experiences. These warnings are seen as a way to communicate that professors value students' academic pursuits and to provide a buffer that prevents students from being exposed to harmful classroom content or interactions. - Teachers worry about getting into trouble for teaching difficult materials, and this has made people question the support for trigger warnings, saying they limit teachers' academic freedom. - If teachers understand that what they teach is important to their students' lives, it's evident that students' right to learn is tied to the curriculum. Teachers have the freedom to choose what they teach, but they should consider how it impacts their students. If academic freedom covers both teaching and learning, then students should have similar protections as teachers. To achieve this, academic freedom policies should be clarified and updated. - It's commonly agreed that professors have the right to teach and research relevant material without censorship. However, academic freedom policies require that the material must be relevant and respectful (Euben, 2002). When instructors want to teach controversial topics related to issues like racism, classism, sexism, and others that involve privilege and oppression, things get tricky. These topics can be distressing because of the stories connected to them, but there's value in teaching them. Research suggests that discussing controversial issues can help students develop democratic values and become agents of change and acceptance. - recent cases and laws in some states are starting to restrict what teachers can discuss and teach, which further complicates the issue. - while there is a lot of focus on protecting the academic freedoms of professors, there should also be language within academic freedom policies that acknowledges and protects the academic freedoms of students. - Education is seen as a partnership between students and teachers, and both parties should have rights and protections within this partnership. - academic freedom policies should be made for both students and instructors. Instead of separating their rights, these policies should recognize the partnership between them. By clarifying and merging these rights, it would protect both parties and empower students to be active learners, not just passive recipients.
