Yes, that word gets thrown around a lot in the media right now. We need to define what we mean by "safe." If safe means "comfortable," "tame," and "inoffensive," no one will learn how to think for themselves! To me, a safe classroom environment means active listening, showing respect, honoring the multitude of viewpoints within the classroom, even (and especially) when you disagree. We have to encounter viewpoints other than our own if we want to learn anything.

Unfortunately, no, Thomas didn't get into Harvard. He made it to the one-on-one interview, but ultimately wasn't accepted. He's at UC Santa Cruz right now.