The Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) in the UK and Eire, together with the National Union of Students (NUS), today condemned the "Islam on Campus" report carried out by the Centre for Social Cohesion.

Faisal Hanjra, President of FOSIS, said today, "This is yet another damning attack on the Muslim community by elements within the academic arena whose only purpose seems to be the undermining of sincere efforts by mainstream Muslim organisations to tackle the threat of terror which wider society faces. The report is methodologically weak, it is unrepresentative and above all serves only to undermine the positive work carried out by Islamic Societies across the country."

"Muslim students have had a tough time since the dreadful attacks on 7/7, they have faced numerous challenges with courage and perseverance, it is evident that those challenges have yet to go away and what is equally evident is the resilience of Muslim students to face those challenges. The message though to those who seek to cause this mischief is clear, we will not be deterred, our work will continue and the results of our efforts are clear for all to see."

Wes Streeting, President of NUS added, "This report is a reflection of the biases and prejudices of a right wing think tank - not the views of Muslim students across Britain. Only 632 Muslim students were asked vague and misleading questions, and their answers were then wilfully misinterpreted in order to fit this organisation's own tawdry obsession with Islam."

"NUS works closely with government, universities - and crucially - Muslim students and Islamic societies up and down the country in an effort to promote a climate on campuses based on inclusion, tolerance and respect. We know there is a concern about the serious issue of violent extremism on campus, but there is a wealth of evidence to show that this is not widespread. This report actually undermines cohesion and the joint efforts of students, institutions and government in tackling violent extremism."

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Notes:

1. FOSIS (est. 1962) is the umbrella organisation of student groups in colleges and universities throughout the UK and Ireland, representing over 90,000 Muslim students.

2. For more information please contact FOSIS media on 07786636691, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or alternatively visit our website www.fosis.org.uk