On Monday 16 March Afsana Kayum, a student at the University of East London (UEL), was jailed for 18 months for possession of a record containing information contrary to the Terrorism Act. This referred to a number of issues of Inspire, an online magazine published by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which were discovered […]
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Campus 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 readingStudent society censored at University of Manchester
Earlier this week the Free Speech and Secular Society (FSS) at the University of Manchester planned to display a cover of Charlie Hebdo on its stall at the ‘Refreshers Fair’ in memory of those killed. However, the society was told by the student union that it could not display the magazine, as the fair “was […]
Continue readingIERA 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 […]
Continue readingIERA 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 […]
Continue readingUniversity halls targeted with anti-Muslim graffiti (Update: Further graffiti reported)
UPDATE 27/01/2015: A further incident of anti-Muslim graffiti has been uncovered at the University of Birmingham, with a message reading “Kill Islam before it kills you” discovered in the ladies toilets of the Guild of Students. That a second incident has followed the first so quickly is deeply concerning, and the university authorities must act […]
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 readingTommy Robinson’s invite to Oxford causes controversy
With the issue of extremist speakers on university campuses in the news, tonight the former English Defence League (EDL) leader Tommy Robinson will speak at the University of Oxford. Originally due to address the Oxford Union on 23 October before being returned to prison, Robinson’s invite has caused controversy, with anti-fascist groups calling for him […]
Continue readingNew measures take campus extremism seriously
The announcement today from the Home Secretary of new powers designed to challenge the ability of extremists to target students is welcome evidence that the issue is being taken seriously. A bill due to be published on Wednesday will mandate that universities, as well as schools and colleges, have policies in place to deal with […]
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