Extremism at universities

Friday, 17 Nov 2006 08:59

FOSIS: There is no credible evidence of extremism

Friday, 17, Nov 2006 12:00

The Federation of Students Islamic Societies (FOSIS) has insisted there is "absolutely no credible evidence" that England's universities and colleges are being targeted by Muslim extremists.

Speaking after the government issued guidance to lecturers on how to prevent the spread of radicalism, spokesman Amar Latif told politics.co.uk it was "important not to scaremonger" on the issue.

"With this whole debate we need to bear in mind there is absolutely no credible evidence of extremism taking place," he said.

Mr Latif added it was "unfortunate" that, unlike with previous guidance, Muslim students had no input into the advice.

While FOSIS had "no issue with looking at this constructively", Mr Latif stressed it was important that Muslims were not "targeted or treated differently" as a result of the guidance.

People working with universities were "fully aware and united" in saying the evidence of growing radicalism was unreliable, he argued.

BMF: We will help tackle extremism

Security expert: Dozens of universities linked to extremism

NUS: Extremism guidance could lead to Islamaphobia

Universities UK: Campus relations must be protected

FOSIS: There is no credible evidence of extremism

DfES: Violent extremism must be faced head on

UCU: Radicalism must not be confused with terrorism

Recent Debates

Interest rates
Interest rates have plunged to just 1.5 per cent today as the Bank of England tries to buoy Britain's faltering economy with the lowest rates in its 300 year history. Lishman: Older savers will suffer uSwitch: Banks won't pass on cut CBI: A welcome move

Gaza conflict
Pressure is mounting on Israel and Hamas to accept a ceasefire plan, proposed by Egypt and France, to put an end to the fighting. Burden: The continuing slaughter is an outrage Miliband: Scale of suffering is immense Brown: The darkest moment yet for the Middle East

Conservative tax plans
David Cameron has announced new plans to put money back into the pockets of savers and pensioners in a bid to create a culture of "save, save, save" instead of "spend, spend, spend". Cooper: Cameron's proposal is economic madness Clegg: Brown and Cameron are con-men

Lobbying
The secret culture of government lobbying could be overhauled as a new report published by the public administration select committee suggested a greater level of public scrutiny into lobbying is needed. ALT: Lobbying must come out of the shadows

Opinion Formers

BNTL Freeway

BNTL is an organisation seeking to promote healthy drug-free life styles and to inform on the effect of alcohol and drugs on individuals and communities.