Extreme events continue on campuses

The identification of former University of Westminster student Mohammed Emwazi as the Islamic State executioner ‘Jihadi John’ has led to increased scrutiny on the issue of campus extremism. With Haitham Al-Haddad due to speak at the university the same day Emwazi was unmasked, concern over extremists being invited to address students has been at the […]

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Student anger at Haitham Al-Haddad invite (Update: Event cancelled)

UPDATE: Following revelations that the Islamic State militant known as ‘Jihadi John’ may be a former student of the University of Westminster called Mohammed Emwazi, the university announced that the event had been postponed “due to increased sensitivity and security concerns”. A petition calling for the University of Westminster to prevent the extremist cleric Haitham […]

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Hizb ut-Tahrir activist to speak at SOAS

University should be a place for debate, where students can discuss ideas with their right to freedom of expression protected. However, all too often, events are hosted in which there is no such debate; where a panel of speakers with similar views are simply given an unchallenged platform. This can be seen in an event […]

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The Counter-Terrorism Bill and David Souaan

Following criticism from students and university staff, on Wednesday it was agreed in the House of Lords that an amendment would be made to the proposed Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill. This would mandate institutions to take into account their duty to protect freedom of expression when following new provisions to prevent students from “being drawn […]

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IERA speaker appears at UCL despite ban

Last week Student Rights highlighted the continued promotion of Dawah training events held by the Islamic Education and Research Academy (IERA), and the effects they could have on students. IERA is currently barred from operating at University College London (UCL) – yet this has not stopped one of these events from being arranged on campus […]

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IERA Dawah training and its effects

This Saturday, a ‘Call of Duty’ Dawah training course taught by Subboor Ahmed, a member of the Islamic Education and Research Academy (IERA), will take place at the group’s London offices. Held in association with the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS), this event was also promoted by London Metropolitan University Islamic Society. It will […]

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Uthman Lateef to speak at University of Birmingham

With the Spring Term barely underway after Christmas at many universities around the country, Student Rights has already logged a number of events featuring extreme or intolerant speakers. As well as tonight’s event at SOAS, this week has seen Wasim Kempson, who has publicly expressed support for a convicted terrorist, invited to speak at the […]

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Divisive speakers to address students at SOAS

Entitled ‘The Rise of ISIS: Origin and Reality’, an event at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) on Friday will feature speeches by Abdullah Al-Andalusi and Muhammad Dilwar Hussain. Given their previous output on the subject, it is likely that the speakers will focus on blaming the West for the group’s rise and […]

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Extreme events show extent of campus issue

The announcement last week by the Home Secretary of new measures to combat extremism on campuses was welcomed here at Student Rights. Theresa May confirmed new laws will make dealing with extremist speakers a legal duty for universities and colleges, ensuring it is taken seriously by institutions. However, as media attention moves on, Student Rights […]

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