Bassani 1

Vianna Bassani

Ms. Stolfi

AP Language and Composition

28 February 2018

Trigger Warnings

Trigger warnings are becoming a popular way for students to be aware of what they are

going to see or hear before they actually do. Many schools are implementing these warning to

help students who may be experiencing mental health issues or are sensitive to certain subject

matter. These warnings do have some benefits in the learning community, however, they are not

logical in the large scheme of things. Students should be conscious of what they are going to be

learning and discussing, as there are course outlines and syllabuses which are handed out for

most classes. Although trigger warnings may be helpful to high school students, they should not

be required in high school courses because material is censored by schools.

Trigger warnings can reduce freedom of speech, which is already censored by schools.

All people have the right to freedom of speech, which is guaranteed under the First Amendment

by the United States Constitution. In schools, students and teachers are protected under the First

Amendment. In Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District (1969), the Supreme Court

ruled in favor of freedom of speech; however, it is limited. Schools can restrict freedom of

speech if they feel it interferes with the learning environment. For example, in Bethel School

District v. Fraser (1986), the Supreme Court ruled that speech must be appropriate for school,

and can not be offensive or vulgar. Trigger warnings are not necessary because schools already

restrict what can and cannot be discussed in schools. Students who are taking classes that may

cover sensitive material should be respectful to the subject matter.

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Schools would not sponsor what they do not believe in, therefore trigger warnings would

not be necessary in courses. Schools are places that foster exploration and learning, and do not

encroach on what students want to learn. Most schools directly state their school’s missions and

belief system. Schools who do not support a certain subject area or course would not offer it. In

West Side Community Schools v. Mergens (1990), the Supreme Court ruled that students can take

part in activities, such as religious clubs. The school itself is not required to sponsor or promote

certain religious affiliations, however they are legally allowed to be part of the school

environment. In high school courses, religion may be seen as an offensive or sensitive topic to

discuss in class, because of a wide range of beliefs. However, trigger warnings should not be

used as a disclaimer for these discussions because they are legally able to be part of the learning

environment. Students do not need to participate, and schools do not need sponsor these beliefs,

however they are an important part of the learning process.

Written material produced for learning should not be labeled with trigger warnings,

because schools have to censor material before they circulate it. Many schools have policies

regarding what students can read and publish in the school community. Students have to abide by

these guidelines. If subject matter is considered controversial in which it may lead to a negative

response from students, it is the school’s decision whether or not to allow it in the learning

environment. In Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier (1988), the Supreme Court ruled that

students have the right to practice freedom of speech, however the school has the ability to

supervise what is published. What is determined inappropriate or too personal is up to the

discretion of the school. Similar books or articles used in schools for learning are censored by the

teacher and school administration to determine the level of detriment it could cause to students.
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Trigger warnings would only add and reiterate unnecessary censorship that schools themselves

have already taken care of.

Trigger warnings may seem like useful tidbits of information for students in high school

courses, however they are inessential to the overall meaning of learning. Students embark on a

journey to learn about controversial and sensitive topics in order to become more cultured and

well rounded citizens. If schools implement these advisories, not only will student learning be

affected, but students will also not be able to handle mature subject matter in college and in their

future careers.