Extremism at universities

Friday, 17 Nov 2006 08:59

Universities UK: Campus relations must be protected

Friday, 17, Nov 2006 12:00

Higher education institutions take seriously their responsibilities for protecting staff and students, Universities UK has said after the government published guidance on how to prevent the spread of extremism.

Last year, the organisation advised its members on promoting campus relations and dealing with hate crimes, which a spokesman said "focused on all kinds of extremism, not just on extremism in the name of Islam".

"Universities are some of the most diverse communities in the UK, and work hard to ensure community cohesion on campus across all faiths and racial groups," he added.

Higher education institutions also had "a duty of care to protect vulnerable groups" and ensure "free expression within the law", he said.

The spokesman stressed: "Equally, legitimate opportunities for debate and discussion – integral to the purpose of a university – must not be subverted by organisations of any kind that seek to promote violence or to recruit our students to movements committed to violence."

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

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