UK Govt asks varsities to openly challenge extremist speakers

In a bid to prevent radicalisation of in UK universities, the government has said the varsities can invite extremist speakers for campus gatherings only if they are to be openly challenged by a counter speaker.
As per the new counter terrorism proposals agreed by the government aims to prevent radicalisation of students says such "high risk" meetings should be banned if there is any doubt of the "risk of drawing people into terrorism", The Guardian reports.
"Preventing people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism requires open challenge to extremist ideas where they are used to legitimise terrorism and are shared by terrorist groups," and "specified authorities should make sure that the university staff have training to challenge these extremist ideas," 'prevent duty guidance' for universities issued by the government says.

The government also says radicalisation on campus can be facilitated through events held for extremist speakers.
"Some students may arrive at universities already committed to terrorism; others may become radicalised whilst attending university due to activity on campus," it adds.
The set of regulations further says managing the risk of radicalisation in universities is not simply about managing external speakers. Radicalised students can also act as a focal point for further radicalisation through personal contact with fellow students.

"Staff should have sufficient training to be able to recognise vulnerability to being drawn into terrorism, and be aware of what action to take to take in response," it adds.

However, the new proposal removed an earlier clause that the external speakers who get platform in UK varsities to submit a detailed script in advance.
Meanwhile, a score of professors and activists raised serious concern about the new guidelines and published a warning letter accusing that it is largely directed to Islamist extremism and will adversely affect the culture of open debate, free speech and dissent.
Henry Jackson Society, a think-tank in UK, also says the definition of 'extremist' under the new guidelines includes speakers who suggest that there is a western 'war' against Islam.