Glasgow University issues content warning on Robert Burns' poetry
The University says sexual themes in the literature could be triggering or traumatising for students
Last updated 11th Mar 2024
Students at the University of Glasgow are facing warnings on poetry by Robert Burns, with bosses fearing it could be triggering.
A content warning has been placed on the Bard's work, in case students are offended or traumatised by sexual or violent themes that run through some of the literature.
The alert has been placed on a module titled Robert Burns Online as a "duty of care" to learners from different backgrounds - but a university spokesperson explains the advisory only applies to a specific section of the work.
They said: “Content advisories and warnings are part of all our daily lives, found in everything from films and TV programmes to social media and online news articles.
“We believe content advisories have an important role to play in an educational setting, allowing lecturers and students to engage in a positive learning and teaching experience on complex issues across the whole range of human experience and history."
The decision has come under fire from Conservative MSP Annie Wells, who called the move a censorship.
But the spokesperson for Glasgow University said: “The University of Glasgow has a duty of care to our students, who come from varied backgrounds and experiences, to ensure that when potentially upsetting content on issues like race and racism, suicide or sexual violence are being taught, read, or discussed that we advise them ahead of lessons to ensure everyone can engage in conversations constructively.
“Content advisories are not in any way a form of censorship nor are they an indicator that students are not able to confront difficult materials.
"But we hope they allow students to take control of their own learning and help everyone to feel able to take part fully in discussions around difficult subject matter in as sensitive and respectful way as possible.”
The University says it has offered students an opportunity to discuss any concerns ahead of the week’s learning, and to date, no student has taken this offer up.
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