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.
This isn’t the first time that Simon Langton has had a brush with the media. A year ago, the school faced criticism for inviting ex-pupil Milo Yiannopoulos to speak. In the end, the backlash paid off, and the invite to Yiannopoulos was revoked.
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