A Fishbowl Discussion: Trigger Warnings in the Classroom

Date of Discussion: September 16, 2014

About the Discussion: Trigger warnings are providing advanced notice about the intent to cover sensitive content (i.e. rape, torture, suicide, self-harming or shaming behaviors) that may cause trauma to students who have personal experience with it. Recently, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) issued a statement condemning the use of trigger warnings in college classrooms. 51С»Æ³µ professors discuss if and how they use trigger warnings in their teaching and the information and approaches that would be most helpful in making the classroom a safe place for covering sometimes emotionally difficult subject matter.

Featured Discussants: Jeffrey Bernstein, associate professor of philosophy; Matthew Elliot, senior psychologist in the Counseling Center and a lecturer in psychology; Lisa Fluet, assistant professor of English; Alison Ludden, associate professor of psychology; and Ann Sheehy, associate professor of biology. Moderated by Matthew Koss, professor of physics and director of the Center for Teaching.

Co-sponsored with the Center for Teaching.

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