Racial Slurs in Class: Verushka Lieutenant-Duval Case

Flashcards covering key concepts and dilemmas surrounding the debate on mentioning racial slurs in educational settings, drawing from the Verushka Lieutenant-Duval case.

Verushka Lieutenant-Duval Case

A case involving the mention of racial slurs in a classroom setting, sparking debate over speech in education.

Eradicationist Dilemma

A viewpoint, often held by multicultural liberals, that places limits on hate speech or offensive speech, frequently deeming context irrelevant and the mention of a slur as intrinsically wrong.

Accommodationist Dilemma

A viewpoint, often held by muscular liberals, that advocates for no restrictions on hate speech or offensive speech once context is understood or for the purpose of disseminating knowledge.

Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor, PhD

An academic associated with the eradicationist viewpoint, advocating for 'Ground Rules' regarding offensive speech.

Randall Kennedy, PhD

An academic associated with the accommodationist perspective regarding offensive speech, emphasizing contextual understanding.

Context Ignored (Eradicationist Criticism)

A criticism of the eradicationist viewpoint, where the context of mentioning a slur is dismissed as irrelevant, especially if the speaker is white.

Erasure of Valid Moral Distinctions (Eradicationist Criticism)

A criticism of the eradicationist viewpoint, pointing out the blurring of differences between the 'use' and 'mention' of offensive language.

Strategic Hyperbole (Eradicationist Criticism)

A criticism of the eradicationist viewpoint, suggesting that mentioning offensive speech is often exaggeratedly described as harmful, violent, or dehumanizing.

Students Offended/Triggered (Accommodationist Concern)

A challenge for the accommodationist viewpoint, acknowledging that students may be genuinely offended or triggered by verbal slurs, regardless of intent.

Words Carry Historical Weight (Accommodationist Concern)

A challenge for the accommodationist viewpoint, highlighting that not all words have the same historical impact or potential for harm, with some considered 'nuclear bombs' of slurs.