UCU: Radicalism must not be confused with terrorism

The University and College Union (UCU) has said campus relations must improve if the government is to successfully combat the spread of extremism at universities.

Speaking as the government publishes advice to lecturers on tackling radicalism, UCU joint general secretary Paul Mackney said universities and colleges needed "a robust strategy for defeating racism and Islamophobia".

"But radicalism must not be conflated with terrorism," he added.

"Institutions must maintain a moderating environment where discussion flourishes, where people learn about different cultures and where ideas can be explored, challenged and debated."

UCU joint general secretary Sally Hunt agreed, saying: "Academic freedom is the key to this debate. The advice to vice chancellors can only be dealt with through collective bargaining with the trade unions who represent staff."

This advice must not mean staff and students were asked to "compromise their duty to teach or their wish to learn", she warned.