University gives students trigger warnings for chocolate and anger | UK | News
A British university gave students trigger warnings about chocolate, cigarettes and anger in their final lectures. One student described the situation as “nonsense” and questioned whether one of his colleagues would stop class without warning.
Students at the University of Roehampton in South West London are shown a “content warning” slide before the lecture starts. In a recent lecture, he was warned that the course would cover “smoking, second-hand smoke”, “genital organs”, “anger”, “quality of parent-child relationships” and “chocolate addiction”.
As reported by Telegramsecond-year psychology student Octavia Evans said: “Yes, you read that last one correctly. As a long-suffering chocoholic, I appreciate my professors’ concern for my mental health (and waistline), but come on!
“It made me wonder: If a student actually objected (a voice shouting that the discussion of chocolate addiction was too much to bear) would the class be stopped?
“Or will the university gently remind us that even though it is committed to well-being and inclusion, the material is still necessary? I fear the former.”
Other warnings include “reports of friends experiencing mental health issues” or material that “may relate to issues you’ve experienced or have strong views about,” he added. Meanwhile, a seminar on culture warned that “some views may be views you disagree with”.
Last year, Roehampton was ranked 92nd on Civitas’ “woke” university rankings list. The university previously had a section on its website highlighting its commitment to creating a “truly inclusive” environment where everyone feels “valued.”
A University of Roehampton spokesperson said: “The University of Roehampton is committed to an inclusive working and learning environment. As good practice, students are informed of course content in advance.”
