VP Student Affairs- October 2009

I pray this finds you all doing good insha'Allah. It has been a busy month on the scene...

-> A brief update on some issues that have taken place

1. Muslim students at City University were the target of a series of attacks culminating with three Muslims a week ago being stabbed after being surrounded by over 30 youths. Please read our statement on the attacks which can be found here and our advice here, and there is ongoing work on this serious matter led by Faisal.

2. Secondly, earlier this month Sister Shawana Bilqes of Burnley College was denied admission for wearing a veil, a very concerning decision, amidst further concern in the way the situation has been handled by the college and the way she has been treated, and all considering her willingness to compromise. Led by Sr Sadia, we have urged the college to reconsider their decision and readmit Ms.Bilqes, and also we believe an investigation is necessary into the manner in which she was confronted. We have sent a letter to the college, the Media press statement on the matter can be found here.

3. We also learned of how Prevent, the government's Preventing Violent Extremism programme, is being used to gather intelligence about innocent people who are not suspected of involvement in terrorism.

-> A quick update on what FOSIS Student Affairs has been up to

Alongside the work in relation to the above matters, the SAC grassroots workshops continue to take place around the country and do make sure you attend. If you don't see one, make sure one is taking place on your campus by contacting us - this is all about empowering Muslim students towards a culture of political participation and our workshops taught by experienced tutors. We've also had our slot at the excellent ISoc101 workshops led by ISCC in regions.

Work across the board in SAC from Civil Liberties to Chaplains continues to progress. Our Welfare team has been busy particularly supporting Queen Mary ISoc in their prayer room campaign. We set policy surrounding the rise of the EDL and similar far-right groups protesting. We had representatives for NUS Zone Conferences and policy submitted. On the Muslim Student Survey 2 the first stage of research is complete. Salman addressed the Joseph Interfaith Foundation's Conference on Confronting anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, and Sr Alaa' attended the National Association of Muslim Police Female Conference and consulted on the Ministry for Justice Rights and Responsibilities Bill. Look out for our work on Higher Education Accessibility and Freedom of Expression this month insha'Allah.

Before I end - I continue to urge you (really really) to get involved and lead in your Student Unions and student societies. Take the lead in debates, create opportunities to make change happen, for all your diverse reasons. It's a powerful solution. As for us, forever we welcome your ideas and your contributions; and do contact us also for any issues representation, prayer rooms or otherwise, if you want to get involved, and so forth. We keep listening at studentaffairs@fosis.org.uk.

And remember always..the Islamic teaching of balance, with truth and justice as it's backbone - the Qur'an states (translated) "He has raised up the sky. He has set the balance so that you may not exceed in the balance: weigh with justice and do not fall short in the balance" (55: 7-8), "We sent Our messengers with clear signs, the Scripture and the Balance, so that people could uphold justice" (57:25).

Best
Nabil
vp.studentaffairs@fosis.org.uk