Student Respect opposes “a British Version of Islam.”

The DfES sponsored report “Islam at Universities in England- Meeting the needs and investing in the future” is a further attempt to mark Islam out as a cause of separatism and terrorism. In an increasingly desperate attempt to blame Islam for the radicalisation of people exposed to the realities of war abroad and racism at home. The government giving extra funding for a “less middle eastern” focus on Islamic studies is nothing more than an attempt to narrow down and proscribe free debate and discussion around religion, politics and the modern world.

Ruth Kelly’s recent comments in the New Statesmen about a “British version of Islam” and government sponsored training for Imans is part of the same islamophobic logic. NUS’ recent statement glosses over this fundamental point. We must be at the forefront of defending a free and fair debate on our campus to aid students in coming to a critical understanding of the world we live in. Teaching of Islamic studies and free discussion of “radical” ideas doesn’t draw people towards violence: it is the violence and racism of the world around us that draws in a tiny minority. Banning of ideas or enforcing an idea of “Britishness” will only further increase the isolation of Muslim students.

Building the movement against racism and war by uniting and working with all communities in addition to Muslims, socialists and progressive activists against the politics of New Labour can achieve this.