The Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) welcomed the release of the report 'Promoting Good Campus Relations: Dealing with Hate Crimes and Intolerance', from Universities UK (UUK).

FOSIS shares the concerns outlined within the report that academic freedom is at risk of being undermined by the Terrorism Bill, due to be discussed in Parliament.

Furthermore, FOSIS supports Universities UK in considering incidents of hate crimes and intolerance on a case-by-case basis, rather than attempt to apply an uniform approach.

FOSIS' own findings have shown that claims of extremism on campus have been highly exaggerated. In a report entitled 'The Muslim Student Survey', which surveyed over 450 Muslim students, FOSIS found no evidence of violent extremism on campuses in the UK.

Commenting on the UUK report, Fasial Hanjra, Head of FOSIS Student

Affairs, said today: "I welcome the findings of this report. At a time when our freedoms are under threat, it is imperative that academic freedomand the rights of students are protected and upheld. Political debate and discussion must be encouraged on university campuses. It is now time for the Government to take these recommendations on board, and to engage in a consultative process rather than introduce knee-jerk legislation."

FOSIS has met with Universities UK in recent months to address the concerns of Muslim students, and looks forward to further such meetings in the near future. FOSIS calls on the government to carefully consider the recommendations outlined in the UUK and FOSIS reports to ensure that academic and personal freedoms are not encroached upon.