LONON, Nov 17: The fear of terrorism has now entered the precincts of UK’s higher places of leaning as on Friday the ministry of education issued to these institutions a lengthy list of guidance for tackling what it calls Islamic extremism.
But this has brought the government in direct confrontation with the universities, teaching staff, students and unions and all of them have quickly responded with the warning that such steps could prove to be counter-productive.
Entitled promoting good campus relations dealing with hate crimes and intolerance, the guidance is claimed to aim to promote safety in educational institutions and ensure that staff and universities are taking the matter seriously.
The guidance includes scenarios based on real-life examples of how violent extremism in the name of Islam may occur on campuses.
It suggests issues to consider if staff suspects the circulation of violent extremist literature or if they are worried about extremist speakers or groups visiting the campus.
It also:
— Points out universities responsibilities within the law and clarifies the legal position;
— Encourages staff to become more vigilant and take preventative action to tackle violent extremism in the name of Islam;
— Makes a clear distinction between those who promote violent extremism in the name of Islam and the faith they might claim to be associated with or represent.
Officials believe there is a serious, although not widespread, threat of violent extremism on campuses.
But unions warn that "demonising Muslims is unacceptable and dangerous".
The Department for Education and Skills insists the new guidance is not about targeting Muslim students and says it decided to issue the advice after discussions with universities, Muslim students and law enforcement agencies.
But a joint statement from the National Union of Students, University College Union, Unison, the Federation of Student Islamic Societies and the Equality Challenge Unit said singling out Muslim students could "jeopardise trust and confidence between staff and students".
"Students and staff should be assured by their institutions that there is no intention of adding to a climate of Islamophobia," the statement added.
Universities UK said violence had no place on university campuses but also hit out at the singling out of Muslims as a group in the guidance.
Intelligence and security expert Professor Anthony Glees, who published a report, last year warning of the risks of students being radicalised, said he believed there should be far more checks on students from abroad.
But the Federation of Student Islamic Societies insists radicalism is not widespread.
Head of student affairs Faisal Hanjara said he believed such a step was not generally useful because it tended to exaggerate the threat and blow the issue out of proportion.
