NEWS Reaction: Islamic extremism at City University

Hard line Islamic extremism is being promoted at City University London, according to a counter-terrorism think tank. According to a report published by Quilliam, City University Islamic society (Isoc) has been involved in the intimidation of staff, students and members of minority groups. The Daily Mail article can be read HERE. The full 39-page report can be downloaded HERE.

This is an interesting story and one that leads many to ask: what is the Government doing to tackle the potential homegrown terror threat? Radicalisation on University campuses across the country is potentially one the biggest threats to UK national security. So, what do we do about it? Let me know what you think. Your comments, as always are welcomed on this post or though e-mail, via the contact page.

Here is some of the latest reaction to this story from various bodies:

• An exclusive interview with the author of the Quilliam report - Lucy James.

• Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, from LGBT rights group OutRage! "This report is a wake-up call to complacent university authorities and student unions. They too often look the other way while Islamists foment hatred and intolerance among the student population. It is a strong defence of the vast majority of Muslim students who do not share an extremist mindset and who frequently face ostracism and denunciation by fundamentalists. Quilliam have produced a thorough expose of the way Islamist extremists are bullying and threatening other students. It highlights sexist, homophobic and anti-Semitic intimidation, and the victimisation of Muslims and non-believers who do not adhere to hard-line fundamentalist Islam. Radicalisation often begins with the promotion of misogynistic, queer-baiting and anti-Jewish prejudice; together with the stirring up of hostility against Muslims who believe in other strands of Islam or have abandoned their faith. Such intolerance is can be a gateway to Islamist extremism. That’s why it should never be ignored or tolerated. City University would never host white supremacists who incite racism and racial violence. Why the double standards?"

• Qasim Rafiq, Head of Media at Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) said: "It is important that claims of extremism or radicalisation are investigated with maturity, responsibility and evidence, not with sensationalism and speculation. If anyone has been threatened by any individual, be they Muslim or non-Muslim, then this is a major cause for concern and is something that must be addressed through the appropriate channels, i.e. through the union, dean of students, and if serious enough, then the police. Campuses should be safe havens for all individuals and we request that any such incident be reported as a matter of urgency to the relevant authorities. In order to ensure that such claims can be fully investigated, it is vital that evidence is not simply anecdotal but is supplemented with other, more concrete forms of evidence. For example, when 3 Muslim students at City University were stabbed, reports were obtained from a number of eyewitnesses as well as CCTV footage and involved the relevant university authorities and police who immediately carried out a thorough investigation. With regards to allegations of radicalisation, again it is important to recognise the importance of freedom of expression and the role of academic institutions in preserving this important principle. We continue to maintain our stance that individuals should be free to express their views and opinions on campus as long as such views are not considered illegal. If there are concerns about some of the views expressed by members of the Islamic Society, then we have more than adequate legislation in this country to deal with such views and there is full recourse to the courts of law. Freedom of expression on university campuses, however, is under real threat and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that in the interests of academic freedom, such rights are protected. Universities are meant to be arenas for academic debate and discussion and if we begin to start clamping down on views which aren't considered illegal, then we begin the to tread the dangerous path of self-censorship." 

• Tehmina Kazi, Director, British Muslims for Secular Democracy (BMSD) said: "British Muslims for Secular Democracy supports the recommendations contained within the Quilliam Foundation briefing paper. It is clear that the activities and general attitudes of the City University ISoc impinge on free speech, and in the longer term, lead to separatism and the deterioration of good relations on campus. They are quick to accuse the authorities of “religious discrimination,” when these matters are brought to their attention, but this is clearly a case of trying to deflect the spotlight away from their own failures on equality (be it gender equality, sexual orientation or the treatment of people with different religious and non-religious beliefs). Fellow students – Muslim and non-Muslim alike – have (quite rightly) raised grievances as a result of this unacceptable conduct. BMSD hopes that City University fully addresses their concerns, and protects them from any harassment or intimidation that could arise."