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The Jewish Chronicle

Anti-extremism legislation will help students

September 24, 2015 10:36
Joseph Stoll, campus director at Stand with Us

By

Naomi Firsht,

Naomi Firsht

1 min read

The Union of Jewish Students has welcomed new legislation to tackle extremism on campus.

Universities must have risk assessment procedures for speakers and provide a counter narrative at events where those with extreme views are speaking, according to the legislation that came into effect this week.

It is part of the government's Prevent strategy for tackling extremism. According to its Extremism Analysis Unit, at least 70 events featuring hate speakers occurred on campuses last year.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: "All public institutions have a role to play in rooting out and challenging extremism. It is not about oppressing free speech or stifling academic freedom, it is about making sure that radical views and ideas are not given the oxygen they need to flourish."