It’s time for more schools to have an ‘unsafe space’
From our UK edition
A school’s decision to create an ‘unsafe space’ – where controversial ideas and works be discussed by pupils – has resulted in the predictable backlash. Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys, in Canterbury, has been accused of providing a platform for people to be xenophobic, sexist and racist. This is not the case. The ‘unsafe space’ is not about lecturing or ramming ideas down peoples’ throats, but actually debating them. Students will be encouraged to respond and argue with what they hear. Surely doing so is better than shutting away unsavoury views? Apart from anything else, taking that approach and burying one's head in the sand does not make ideas you don’t like disappear.
