Freedom To Disagree

In a recent letter to incoming University of Chicago freshmen, Dean of Students John Jay Ellison seemed to clearly state the administration's opposition to two hot-button issues: trigger warnings (when a professor alerts students to upcoming material that might trigger trauma) and safe spaces (places on campus where marginalized students can share experiences without judgment). The letter has since sparked a familiar debate about whether freedom of expression in universities is being stifled or encouraged by these tools.

Geoffrey Stone, a first amendment specialist at the University of Chicago, says that letter has been widely misread. He talks with Brooke about the real reasons why he believes the space for free speech is narrowing on college campuses.