⭐Safe Spaces in the Writing Center ​⭐ 

Charlie Rickle and Nicole Tota  

Rowan University  
 
What makes a space safe?
● Inclusivity
● Power/empowerment
● Physical space
● Free expression

Communities to consider in creating safe spaces 

● Race
● Ethnicity
● Religion
● Gender
● Capability
● Neurodiversity
● LGBT+ Community

Literature on safe spaces 

● “Brave/r Spaces Vs. Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ in the Writing Center: Theory and
Practice” (Jacob Herrman, 2017)
○ When offensive topics arise, turn them into teachable moments to
promote tolerance/inclusivity
○ Representation matters
○ Consider turning safe spaces into “brave” spaces to empower tutees
● “Tutoring Sessions as Safe Spaces,” (Julia Meuse, 2016)
○ Let the tutee take ownership of their own writing, especially when crafting
personal narratives
○ If the tutee guides the session, the writing center can become an
empowering space