We are considering going to Fez while visiting Spain, but are wondering how safe it is for westerners to travel there currently.
If you're an American Citizen check the State Department's travel advisory web page.
Safe - Morocco is the safest place in North Africa at the moment. just watch out for the persistent and annoying salespeople (just as you would in Turkey, Egypt etc.). The Medina in Fez is wonderful - just move to the left when you hear the call "yellah!" likely a rather overburdened donkey is passing you. I do recommend hiring a guide for a visit to the Medina - it is easy to get lost and there is a lot of information you will miss is you don't have one. I was lucky and was invited into a one-roomed school by the teacher - the kids were friendly and tried out their English as I greeted them in my minimal Arabic! a special moment. The leatherworks are a National Geographic moment!
While French is the second language, English is spoken pretty much everywhere.
Rabat and Marakkesh are also worth a visit if time permits.....