One time I put a trigger warning as a TA on a reading about lynchings, and the professor took that to mean that I thought they shouldn't teach that material.

I think this interpretation is common, so let me explain what it gets wrong. 1/

Trigger warnings are not "cancellations." They are opportunities for students who have experienced trauma to have some control over when and how deeply they engage with material that could be re-traumatizing. 2/

I'll use myself as an example. As a sexual assault survivor, it is not only jarring to me to encounter material on sexual assault when I'm not expecting it; it can be completely emotionally debilitating, depending on what else is going on in my life that day. 3/

But, if I know it's coming, I can make an informed choice on when during the week to engage with the material and have resources in place to process afterwards if I need to. 4/

My wanting a trigger warning doesn’t mean I don’t think students shouldn’t read things that involve sexual assault. Quite the opposite, if the topic is approached thoughtfully & respectfully! It means I want to engage but I may not be able to. I just need a little extra help. 5/

For some people, trauma runs deeper, and their choice may be to not engage with the material at all. This is also okay. Nothing in your class is more important than people's health and well-being. 6/

In short, putting trigger warnings on materials a) lets trauma victims regain some control over their lives, and b) forces you to think through how to present difficult material & explain why it's important for students who don't have lived experience with it. /fin

P.S. "Exposure therapy is a thing!" Yes, but you are probably not a trained therapist and the classroom in any case is not a therapy appointment. You do not get to use your power to force exposure on traumatized students, you absolute monster.