University Terror Debate

Recent arrests of two men at the University of Nottingham campus have added fuel to the ongoing debates over how to deal with the threat of terrorism in Higher Education. “Alleged radical material” is what caused the arrests – how suspicions and evidence arose has not been publicly stated. In original guidelines dealing with the issue of terrorism, the government advised academics to “spy” on students they found suspicious, which caused a large level of complaint. Revised guidelines suggest that staff monitor Internet history and interests in terrorist cells to ensure that their students are not terrorists. This has not convinced previous opponents to the policy, who claim such measures will alienate staff and students. In a time where universities are being urged to widen participation from all backgrounds, proposals that could potentially divide groups are naturally going to raise complaints.

What are your thoughts on the government’s guidelines?