Multicultural Content and Class Participation

This article presents data from an exploratory study on class participation and student self-censorship. The impetus for this research is concern that content on multiculturalism and oppression inhibits open debate and dialogue, a form of suppression that conservatives term “political correctness.” Through survey and focus group data, the authors examine student discomfort in social work courses, reasons for self-censorship, and solutions to self-censorship. Results suggest that general classroom factors (being too shy or being unprepared), not political correctness, were more likely to be reasons for self-censorship. Solutions focused on the faculty’s role in creating safe and affirming classroom environments.