A document by the British Education Ministry asks lecturers and university staff across Britain to spy on Muslim students on suspicious involvement in “extremist” activities, the Guardian reported on October 16.
The 18-page document encourages universities to proactively report students to the special branches of local police. It claims that Islamic societies at universities have become increasingly involved in political activities and calls for monitoring their leaflets and speakers.
“Islamic societies have tended to invite more radical speakers or preachers onto campuses… They can be forceful, persuasive and eloquent,” the document says.
“They are able to fill a vacuum created by young Muslims’ feelings of alienation from their parents’ generation by providing greater “clarity” from an Islamic point of view on a range of issues, and potentially a greater sense of purpose about how Muslim students can respond.”
The revelation drew immediate diatribe from leaders of the Muslim student unions.
“It sounds to me to be potentially the widest infringement of the rights of Muslim students that there ever has been in this country,” said Wakkas Khan, president of the Federation of Student Islamic Societies.
“It is clearly targeting Muslim students and treating them to a higher level of suspicion and scrutiny. It sounds like you’re guilty until you’re proven innocent.”