UPDATE 04/05/2015: Following last week’s event a report of Dr Wahid’s speech has been published on the HT website. In this, Dr Wahid states that his aim was: “exposing the UK Counter-Extremism policy called ‘Prevent’ for an audience that may not be well-acquainted with its most sinister and pernicious aspects”. He also claims that: “‘Deradicalisation’…is […]
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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 […]
Continue readingCampus Voice: Frankie said ‘Relax’ – Tell that to the New Puritans
Here at Student Rights we have often cited our belief that universities must have robust policies in place to deal with harassment or discrimination, and that a focus on equality and diversity is vital if institutions are to effectively challenge extremism. In this article, KCL lecturer Dr Niall McCrae gives his take on the issue […]
Continue readingThe 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 […]
Continue readingMarine Le Pen and the University of Oxford (Update: Event delayed by protest)
UPDATE: Up to 300 demonstrators are reported to have picketed this event in opposition to Marine Le Pen, with a small number forcing the event to be delayed for over an hour as they “came close to scaling the walls from the street outside”. Tomorrow, the leader of the French Front National, Marine Le Pen, […]
Continue readingAnti-Muslim comments reported to police at LSBU
The response to the recent targeting of London South Bank University (LSBU) Islamic Society’s Facebook page with anti-Muslim messages highlights how online hatred can be dealt with. On 1st January Student Rights found an individual had posted publically on two links shared by the Islamic Society, claiming that “Islam is a cancer” and “All Muslims […]
Continue readingExtreme 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 […]
Continue readingInterfaith events host intolerant speakers
Three events over the next week at Durham University, the University of Northampton, and Cardiff University, highlight the ease with which extreme speakers can find platforms on campus. These events, interfaith debates on a variety of topics, all advertise speakers with a history of intolerant views. The first event, this Friday at Durham University, features […]
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