Teaching About Terrorism: University of Plymouth

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 the 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?

Staff and students are advised under the general rules for use of computing facilities that activities must be within the law: these rules are included in every new staff contract and staff and students are asked to refresh their awareness and formally sign up to the rules on a regular basis. The relevant sections of the Rules state, inter alia, that 10 Unauthorised viewing, storage, or transmission of offensive or illegal material is prohibited. Written authorisation must be obtained from the appropriate authorities (those responsible for management of the computing facilities) if there is a genuine requirement to view, store or transmit such material. 13 The University retains the right to monitor network activity.. …Users are expected to be aware of and comply with University policies, JANET Acceptable Use Policy and all exuisting UK legislation including although not limited to…Terrorism Act 2006. However, the University does not provide specific advice in relation to terrorism.

Does the institution have procedures to review or access reading lists,, module descriptors or other teaching materials which explicitly or in practice consider questions of safety and risk under terrorism legislation?

Not specifically. Module content is of course reviewed in the context of programme approval but is not subject to further specific scrutiny focused on terrorism

Does the 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, since any institutional response would necessarily depend on the circumstances of an individual case and the actions taken.

Does the institution have any system, policy or procedure in place for ‘preventing violent extremism’ as recommended in ‘Promoting Good Campus Relations’?

The University is an active member of the Plymouth City ‘Prevent’ delivery group. A number of staff have attended Prevent training. The issues have been raised at the University’s Community Safety Group.

Resources

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