Extremism at universities
Friday, 17 Nov 2006 08:59
The government will today tell universities how to tackle extremism
The government will today advise universities and colleges on how to prevent the spread of Islamic extremism amid concerns that students are being recruited to terrorism.
Higher education minister Bill Rammell will issue guidance to lecturers on how to promote safety and prevent violent groups grooming vulnerable students to carry out attacks.
Mr Rammell will tell university vice-chancellors and college heads how to respond if they are concerned about radical literature or extremist speeches.
The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) said it decided the guidance was necessary following discussions with universities, government experts and law enforcement agencies.
Some academics warned that universities are doing too little to tackle extremism, but Muslim societies have said radicalism is not widespread.
Higher education unions have also warned of the dangers of targeting particular groups, but the DfES insisted the move was not about targeting Muslims.
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