Universities UK is to establish a working group to look at how universities can best protect academic freedom whilst taking appropriate action to prevent violent extremism. This follows responses to the arrest of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab in the United States on Christmas Day for an attempted act of terrorism. Mr Abdulmutallab studied for an undergraduate degree in Engineering and Business Finance at University College London (UCL) between 2005 and 2008.
 
UCL has stated that they have no evidence of any connection between Mr Abdulmutallab’s behaviour and experience at UCL and the subsequent, alleged act of terrorism. Nonetheless, Professor Malcolm Grant, President and Provost of UCL, has ordered a full review of Mr Abdulmutallab’s time at UCL.
 
Professor Steve Smith, President of Universities UK, said  “It is essential that as a society we respond rationally to the issue of extremism. Universities UK therefore is fully supportive of the measured and effective response of UCL following the arrest of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.
 
“This is the only way of ensuring that we address the real issues and prevent acts of terrorism from occurring in the future. Bearing this in mind, and building on our publication ‘Promoting Good Campus Relations’ published in 2005, Universities UK intends to respond to the events following Mr Abdulmutallab’s arrest by setting up a working group. This will be chaired by Professor Malcolm Grant and will consider how universities can work with all relevant organisations, nationally and locally, to ensure the protection of freedom of speech and lawful academic activities, whilst safeguarding students, staff and the wider community from violent extremism.
 
“Universities, their staff and students take their responsibility for civic safety extremely seriously, and will always take appropriate action for dealing with all forms of extremism.”
 
Notes

1. To see UCL's statement following the arrest of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, visit: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/news-articles/0912/09122601  
2. The Universities UK guidelines (‘Promoting Good Campus relations: dealing with hate crimes and intolerance’) are available to download at: http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/Publications/Documents/promotinggoodrelations.pdf
3. The Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) produced an update to these guidelines in 2007.  For more information, visit: http://www.ecu.ac.uk/inclusive-practice/promoting-good-campus-relations-imperative