Teaching About Terrorism: University of Abertay

The University of Abertay

Teaching About Terrorism is a 2009/10 research project funded by C-SAP, one of the Higher Education Academy's subject networks. The project aims to research the extent and nature of teaching about terrorism in UK Universities, primarily in the disciplines of Sociology, Politics and Criminology.

Freedom of Information Request 1

• Does your institution provide any information or advice to students or staff on any potential liability under Terrorism legislation which might result from accessing materials for teaching or research?

The University does not provide any specific information or advice concerning potential liability (under terrorism legislation) to students and staff regarding the access of such materials. As a result in this instance, I can confirm that the information requested is not held.

The University does advice students and staff on appropriate use of information and communications technologies provided by our through the Institution. A copy of these regulations is enclosed as part of the University's response. While, the regulations do not specifically mention terrorism they do remind users of: The broader legislative framework which has to be observed when making use of information and information systems (see Section 4); As part of the general conditions of use, University regulations require that all users: Use of ICT facilities should always be legal and as appropriate reflect academic integrity and the standards and requirements of the University.

• Does your institution have any kind of procedure to review or assess reading lists, module descriptors or other teaching materials which explicitly or in practice considers questions of safety and risk under terrorism legislation as part of its remit?

The University Secretary to Court and Head of Secretariat has confirmed that the University does not have any procedure in place to review or assess reading lists, module descriptors or other teaching materials with regard to questions of safety and risk under terrorism legislation. As a result with reference to Q2, I can confirm that the information requested is not held.

• Does your institution have any system, policy or procedure in place for dealing with any potential actions taken by the authorities against the institution, its students or staff under Terrorism legislation?

The University Vice Principal and Deputy Vice Chancellor has confirmed that the University does not have any system, policy or procedure in place for dealing with potential actions taken by the authorities against the institution. As a result with reference to Q3, I can confirm that the information requested is not held.

• Does your institution have any system, policy or procedure in place for ‘preventing violent extremism’ as recommended for example in the government guidance document ‘Promoting Good Campus Relations'

The University does not condone violent behaviour of any kind. The University Codes of Practice on acceptable behaviour for students and staff would be relevant here. In addition the University is committed to promoting equality and diversity. The Head of Student Services has advised that the University Policy and Guidelines on personal harassment would be of relevance here, in that the University seeks to create an inclusive environment. A copy of the Student Disciplinary Code and the document Dealing with personal harassment: policy and guidelines a guide for students has also been provided. Please note the student discipline code is currently with the University Senate for Review. If you would like to see a copy of the draft Code please let me know. The coversheets of these documents confirm the approval's process. As University policy and process concerning discipline and harassment cover a number of behaviours (without necessarily singling out terrorism) copies of student related documents have been provided. If you would like to see the staff equivalents of these documents, please let me know.

Resources

• Freedom of Information Results, Teaching About Terrorism: FOI Results
• University of Abertay, Teaching About Terrorism Response to FOI 1, Scribd