The Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) in the UK and Eire today welcomed the findings of the University of Cambridge research which suggests that university campuses are not "hotbeds" of extremism.

Qasim Rafiq, spokesman for FOSIS, said today, "It has always been clear, and the findings of the recent study further reiterates this, that Muslim students and Islamic Societies in higher education are an integral part of student activities and are not prone to extremism or extremist activity. The findings are very much in line with our experience and communications with Muslim students on campus around the country and correlates with the findings of the FOSIS "Voice of Muslim Students" survey in 2005 which took into account the views of over 450 students."

He further added, "This study, despite only interviewing 26 students, is a positive step and the findings appear promising, much to the dismay of proponents of the idea that extremism on campus is rife. There has never been any credible evidence to substantiate claims that campuses are "hotbeds" for extremist activity, despite this, there are certain elements in academia and the media who continue to perpetuate this climate of fear and seek to damage relations between communities on campus. Nevertheless, we welcome the findings of the study and the attempt to address this important issue in a constructive and productive framework, and we hope that this sets a precedence for future attempts to gauge the views of Muslim students."

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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