Extremism at universities

Friday, 17 Nov 2006 08:59

NUS: Extremism guidance could lead to Islamaphobia

Friday, 17, Nov 2006 12:00

The National Union of Students (NUS) has praised the "moderate tone" of the guidance issued to lecturers on tackling extremism, but warned of the dangers of focusing solely on Islam.

President Gemma Tumelty welcomed today's advice for avoiding negative stereotypes of Muslim students, and praised the absence of direct requests for teachers to report on students.

"We also welcome the explicit distinction between radicalisation, extremism and violent extremism," she said.

"NUS believes with absolute conviction that with the right measures, good on-campus relations can thrive and play their part in defeating terrorism."

The union would "whole-heartedly support" steps to improve cohesion, such as universities building a network of on-campus imam's.

But Ms Tumelty warned: "Unfortunately, leaving the recommendations too open to interpretation could risk some institutions taking a hard line."

NUS was concerned that by focusing solely on Islamic extremism there was "the potential for a racist or Islamaphobic backlash".

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.