How do we construct a truly effective safe space, one that does not "coddle" and "overprotect" its participants, one that does not inhibit students' free speech?
https://bipartisanpolicy.org/blog/what-the-safe-space-debate-is-missing/
This article outlines three most typical types of safe spaces: constructed, spontaneous, and synthesized. The author of the article argues that spontaneous safe spaces help nurture healthy campus communities; he claims they offer the appropriate levels of open discourse and comfort.
https://harvardpolitics.com/harvard/what-is-a-safe-space/
emotional vs. academic safe spaces
emotional safe space - "These groups provide students the opportunity to feel secure in times of distress and dysfunction, and they also provide a sense of community."
academic safe space - "In this type of space, people are still made to feel uncomfortable, yet it’s “safe” to take intellectual risks and explore any line of thought. Here, “safety” protects your right to make others uncomfortable with ideas and rational arguments."
It's important to distinguish between the two types of safe spaces when engaging in this discussion about safe spaces -- when we conflict and confuse the two is when problems arise.
Different denotations of "safe spaces" are insightful, especially because there must be a balance of emotional and academic safe spaces for an effective learning, conversations, and idea sharing. Although "safe spaces" are easier to be said than done, I believe both "safe spaces" require open-mindedness and willingness to listen. Such respectful attitude stems from non-judgemental eyes toward a person. I wonder if there is any additional denotations of the phrase, now that we are living in this COVID-19 moment.