Campus extremism: practical help for universities is the answer, ECU says

ECU says it is essential that combating violent extremism should not be viewed in isolation. It should be viewed alongside an institution’s obligation to promote academic freedom and maintain good campus relations through implementation of equality legislation.

Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of ECU, said:

'We echo the concerns of Government about the impact of violent and intimidatory activity on campus.

However, the essential task is to ensure staff and students can operate in an environment free from violence or intimidation from whatever source, in a climate in which academic freedom and diversity flourish, as set out in the October 2007 update to the ECU/UUK guidance, Promoting good campus relations: update.

ECU will continue to work with the higher education sector on this important issue. With the Association of University Administrators and the Higher Education Equal Opportunities Network, in March 2008 we will be holding a training day on promoting good campus relations. This year we will also be forming religion and belief discussion groups to address a range of practical issues that arise on campus, affecting staff and students of all religions and beliefs.'

Notes to editors

• ECU was established in 2001 to promote equality and diversity for staff employed in higher education. In 2006 its remit was extended to support higher education institutions in managing student-related equality and diversity issues.
• In October 2007, ECU updated Promoting good campus relations, its own guidance for institutions, which focuses particularly on issues of religion and belief on campus: see Promoting good campus relations: update and Promoting good campus relations: briefing for heads of institutions.
• ECU, the Association of University Administrators and the Higher Education Equal Opportunities Network are holding a training day - 'Promoting good campus relations - an institutional imperative' – on 14 March. More details at www.heeon.ac.uk/events

Contact details

For Candlestar:

David Jobbins
Head of Education
Tel 020 8600 7552
Cell 07770 452047
David.jobbins@candlestar.co.uk