Teaching About Terrorism: University of Surrey

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

According to the response of this University to the initial four part teaching terrorism FOI request, the answer to all four questions was 'no'. The four questions being:

• 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 ?

No information held.

• 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 ?

No. No information 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 ?

No. No information 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’?

No. Whilst we do not have a formal system or policy in place, the work of the University Chaplaincy is very effective in supporting the spirit of the Promoting Good Campus Relations guidance. Our Chaplaincy is truly multifaith (with genuine, self-nominated representatives of all of the major faith communities) and is closely linked with the life of each of those faith communities. The Chaplaincy meet regularly, and in a spirit of respectful collaboration, to discuss issues which might otherwise cause tensions. The Chaplaincy has also been the stimulus for a number of interfaith education activities. In addition, our Coordinating Chaplain is the Anglican Diocese's Interfaith Education lead. Our project to develop a landmark Multifaith Centre building aims to embed this spirit of community relations building and interfaith education and dialogue at the heart of the University. Also, each programme handbook has a guidance note on religious observance, as follows: The University is a secular organisation and therefore privileges no religious faith or organization. The University accords full respect to all religious faiths, beliefs and practices equally as they are represented at the University, as is provided for in the University's Policy on Equal Opportunities. It is recognised that students may experience conflict between the demands of religious observance and the formal timetabled contact and assessment on their programme of study. Students wishing to request an adjustment to teaching or assessment arrangements should make their needs known to their Faculty (Director of Studies) as early as possible. However, the constraints of scale in organisation of timetables may mean that it is not be possible to adjust arrangements to meet with particular needs of faith groups. The Religious Observance Policy document can be accessed at the following web address. Please find attached also.) - Freedom of Speech Policy, approved by Council 1987, which states: This Code of Practice ('the Code') is issued by, and with the authority of, the Council pursuant to the Act and is intended to protect not only freedom of speech in a narrow, literal sense, but also in its wider sense including freedom of association; safety of the person; the right to go about one's lawful business at the University without intimidation, harassment (including sexual) or violence; the right to the quiet enjoyment of property; the reputation of the University; and good order on its land and premises. Section 6 requires that certain activities are notified in advance to the Director of Corporate Services.

Resources

• Freedom of Information Results, Teaching About Terrorism: FOI Results
• University of Surrey, Freedom of Information Request 1, Scribd
• University of Surrey, Code of Practice, Scribd
• University of Surrey, Policy Statement on Religious Observance, Scribd