Is the rise of "safe spaces" bringing back the era of segregation?

[Behind the Aegis]

115. A few things.

Has anyone ever stated "safe spaces" are designed to "improve race relations"? If not, then this would seemingly be a 'strawman argument'. The stated goal of many, if not most, safe spaces it to provide a safe, uninhibited arena for minority persons in which the said minority can learn about their culture without feeling dominated by a majority culture.

I have no idea what the goals and objectives of this particular space is, but as someone who presided over a similar space, I will tell you what ours was like: It was for anyone with African-American heritage who was interested in building leadership qualities, learning about the African-American culture, and coping techniques for AA folk in a bigoted/racist world. There were exceptions for race if the person was majoring/minoring in AA studies. There was a 2 year residency limit. Residents had to attend at least two presentations on the floor a month (floor meetings did not count). The staff was trained specifically for the floor and were expected to present no less than four programs a month (excluding floor meetings). The presentations were open to the floor, but other building residents were allowed to attend.

The idea was the students would be exposed in a "home" (read, safe) environment to issues surrounding AA folk and their experiences. Many students set up their own "weekly roundtables". Leadership programs were specifically focused on the AA experience in the workplace and how to navigate such arenas with the added issue of being black. So it is not about (self-) segregation being used as a weapon, but rather about personal enhancement.

It is important to understand not all, or even most, African-American students were even interested, but we did have a number who were. The program was designed to enhance the experience of the AA student, not deny or discriminate against non-AA students. It was similar to many "international floors" in which Americans were not allowed to be residents, with a few exceptions for those studying English As a Second Language or specific languages.

Not all safe spaces are "created equally", so to speak, but they do serve a purpose. The ones in which I am familiar were offices, some classrooms, and a few residence hall spaces. Now, to be clear about the classroom ones, this didn't mean they weren't going to be offended, but it did mean overly bigoted discussions/ideas were not going to be permissible, but usually it meant who ever the professor was that person was "safe" to express one's concerns about issues the minority student may be facing and serve as a resource for the student.