MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - University of Minnesota students may soon receive warnings before class discussions begin on sexual assault or other topics that could trigger traumatic memories.

A student-government panel recently suggested the school implement "trigger warnings" into faculty protocol. The author of the proposal says traumatic reactions triggered by certain topics make it difficult for the affected students to engage in the material. Student leaders also want instructors to offer alternative assignments to students who feel they can't handle emotionally stressful topics.

At least one University of Minnesota instructor, a woman who teaches a class that discusses rape, homophobia and domestic abuse, is already offering a heads-up to students.

Henry Reichman, first vice president of the American Association of University Professors, tells reporters there have calls for trigger warnings at other campuses across the country but the practice isn't widespread.

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