91ÇÑ×Ó

Extremism is best tackled by an engaged and aware campus body and not by attempting to restrict speech, academics say. Jessica Shepherd reports.

Just how should universities clamp down on extremism without infringing on the prized scholarly value of freedom of speech? The alleged involvement of at least one student in last week's foiled terrorist attack has yet again left universities facing this conundrum.

Although some academics believe that formal measures should be taken, others argue that an informal student network works best at spotting and bringing to light extremists on campus.

John Horgan, senior research fellow at the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at St Andrews University, said: "Combating extremism in universities is likely to work most effectively through informal channels, for example student debate, as opposed to any formal attempts to introduce special measures.

"I think that attempts to glorify terrorism would pretty much be dealt with effectively by the student cohort. Extremist positions tend to look foolish, isolated and very naive in debating circles and frequently become the subject of intellectual scorn."

Dr Horgan, author of The Psychology of Terrorism , believes that the role of student societies is paramount.

He said: "I think that Muslim student societies in UK universities have a very important role to play. Such societies can serve as arenas through which debate to openly confront those distorted ideologies that claim to represent Muslim interests in Britain can emerge."

Nafeez Ahmed, associate tutor in international relations at Sussex University, agrees that the onus should lie primarily on students.

He said: "There is little practically that universities can do except to actively identify to all students what kind of activity is considered to be supportive of terrorism and to call on students to be vigilant about speeches and policies that fit this sort of criteria.

"Procedures to this effect already exist; however, they are not promoted or highlighted as an essential and important part of university life."

Michael Clarke, professor of defence studies at King's College London, argues that universities need not shy away from robust debate.

He said: "We need to have more of an open debate about what Islamist critiques of Western culture are about and the narrative that feeds violent extremism.

"I am not aware of enough of that going on. We must not tiptoe around the issue in pursuit of political correctness."

There is another camp of academics who believe that there is little that universities can do to try to stamp out extremism, or if indeed they should even attempt to.

Peter Gill, professor of politics and security at Liverpool John Moores University, said: "Beyond seeking to ensure that all staff and students abide by the law, there is perhaps not much they can or should do."

And Les Ebdon, the vice-chancellor of Bedfordshire University, argues that universities are already doing enough to combat terrorism, at least at the most basic level.

He said: "We are doing enough, but of course it is important that we remain vigilant. Terrorism flourishes on secrecy, and we must maintain a climate of openness and share ideas."

Whatever their view on what universities should or should not do, all academics are agreed that to restrict freedom of speech would be a grave mistake.

Dr Horgan said: "Universities pride themselves on providing their students with the ability and opportunity to express themselves freely. Rather than censor or ban extremist views, they should be engaged and exposed for what they are."

Universities are accustomed to thinking that education leads people away from extremist views.

It may well be a while before they work outJwhat works best and what impact the events of last week have had on them.

jessica.shepherd@thes.co.uk