Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-6-2025

Abstract

Contemporary events on university campuses have spotlighted the perceived conflict between free speech and safe spaces. While both values are widely acknowledged as essential, reconciling them in practice remains difficult. In this article, we argue that universities should not be viewed as singular entities but as a constellation of distinct spaces, each with its own normative context. The appropriate balance between safety and speech depends on the specific functions and values of each space. We first survey philosophical literature on campus speech and safety, noting the often-implicit acknowledgment of spatial diversity. Next, we introduce guiding questions to assist in evaluating how speech and safety should be balanced across different settings. Finally, we tour campus spaces using this framework, proposing that speech and safety exist on a continuum: some areas should support robust free expression, while others should prioritize safety and belonging.

Comments

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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