CBS New York reporter Tony Aiello tweeted the above photograph of what appears to be a trigger warning in Hofstra University’s student center for an MTV Elect This Campaign, to be held on Monday evening alongside the presidential debate.
The sign warns that the debate “may contain triggering and/or sensitive material. Sexual violence, sexual assault, and abuse are some topics mentioned within this event. If you feel triggered, please know there are resources to support you.”
In April, the Hofstra Chronicle published a pro-trigger warning op-ed. It reads:
Rising from the feminist blogosphere, these warnings were intended for those who experienced trauma and can easily be triggered into experiencing flashbacks or panic attacks.
Individuals are then able to choose whether they want to engage with the material or not. It is your choice. With no great personal cost, you can easily ignore trigger warnings without denying the same choice to others who are in need of them.
If only this member of the feminist blogosphere could opt not to engage with the forthcoming debate. But, alas.
Correction: This article previously stated the trigger warning was for the debate—it appears to be for another event happening on campus at the same time.
