Protest Middlesex University’s Clampdown on Freedom of Speech

[Hafsah]

Urgent Alert: Protest Middlesex University’s Clampdown on Freedom of Speech

IHRC urges all campaigners to contact Middlesex University to protest against
its decision to suspend Student Union president Keith Shilson and revoke his
studentship indefinitely for his refusal to cancel a debate with Hizb ut-Tahrir.

1. Background

The Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir had been invited by the Student Union of
Middlesex University to take part in a Question & Answer meeting next Wednesday
28 September 2005. Last week, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor
Michael Driscoll, ordered the Student Union to cancel the invitation to Hizb
ut-Tahrir. The Student Union was told that if it did not cancel the invitation,
the meeting would be “banned”. Student Union President Keith Shilson refused to
cancel the invitation arguing that it should be allowed on the ground of freedom
of speech.

Due to this refusal to cancel the invitation, Mr Shilson was yesterday suspended
from the university, had his studentship revoked indefinitely and was escorted
from campus by university security. Hizb ut-Tahrir has not been banned by the
Government or on campus in Middlesex University and promotes a non-violent
approach to political change. It has repeatedly condemned acts of terrorism such
as the London bombings as having no justification in Islam.

The Vice Chancellor’s decision to suspend Mr Shilson is a clear sign of the new
form of McCarthyism currently at play both on university campuses and in the
wider British society. We have reached a stage now where not only Muslims are
being persecuted for their beliefs but also members of other communities who may
defend Muslims against such persecution or simply seek to understand their
beliefs.

2. Suggested Action

a) Contact the Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University and request that Keith
Shilson be reinstated with a full apology. A sample letter may be found below
for your convenience.

Professor Michael Driscoll
Vice-Chancellor
Middlesex University
Bramley Road
London
N14 4YZ

Tel. 020 8411 5606
Email: m.driscoll@mdx.ac.uk (http://by103fd.bay103.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?curmbox=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&a=5ca70c18f478e3d23042b328f31e43dca9bd7d182c6e2918 ea16a3ecf8d5d76d&mailto=1&to=m.driscoll@mdx.ac.uk&msg=77B431CC-641A-4760-8AED-85F72C27924E&start=0&len=5496&src=&type=x)



b) Send messages of support to Keith Shilson for his courage and bravery in
refusing to buckle under tremendous pressure and standing up for fundamental
freedoms so precious to us all.


Keith Shilson
President
Middlesex University Students\\\' Union
Bramley Road
London
N14 4YZ

Tel: 020 8411 6763
Fax: 020 8440 5944
Email: K.Shilson@mdx.ac.uk (http://by103fd.bay103.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?curmbox=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&a=5ca70c18f478e3d23042b328f31e43dca9bd7d182c6e2918 ea16a3ecf8d5d76d&mailto=1&to=K.Shilson@mdx.ac.uk&msg=77B431CC-641A-4760-8AED-85F72C27924E&start=0&len=5496&src=&type=x)




[Your name]
[Your address]



[Date]
Professor Michael Driscoll
Vice-Chancellor
Middlesex University
Bramley Road
London
N14 4YZ

Email: m.driscoll@mdx.ac.uk (http://by103fd.bay103.hotmail.msn.com/cgi-bin/compose?curmbox=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&a=5ca70c18f478e3d23042b328f31e43dca9bd7d182c6e2918 ea16a3ecf8d5d76d&mailto=1&to=m.driscoll@mdx.ac.uk&msg=77B431CC-641A-4760-8AED-85F72C27924E&start=0&len=5496&src=&type=x)


Dear Professor Driscoll


Re: Suspension of Keith Shilson


I am writing regarding Middlesex University’s decision to suspend and
indefinitely revoke the studentship of Student Union president Keith Shilson.

I am very shocked to hear that the reasoning behind the suspension was Mr
Shilson’s refusal to cancel an invitation to the Islamic group Hizb ut-Tahrir to
a debate on 28 September.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is a non-violent group which has repeatedly condemned acts of
terrorism such as the London bombings as having no justification in Islam.
Despite much propaganda, it has not been banned by the Government. Irrespective
of whether we agree or disagree with the beliefs and principles held by Hizb
ut-Tahrir, to prohibit them from publicly speaking is abhorrent to the precious
values of a liberal democracy such as Britain. It is an active effort to clamp
down upon freedom of speech and freedom of association.

Furthermore, to punish a student who may neither belong to nor even share the
beliefs of Hizb ut-Tahrir is eerily reminiscent of the shameful era of
McCarthyism. In attempting to cancel the debate and in suspending Keith Shilson,
Middlesex University is stifling freedom of academic thought in university, the
very place where ideas must be debated and exchanged.

I urge you to reinstate Mr Shilson immediately with a full apology.

I look forward to hearing from you shortly regarding the action you have taken
in this extremely serious matter.

Yours sincerely,


[Your signature]

[Your name]

[Salman Al-Farsi]

Interesting :rolleyes:

Student leader suspended in row over Islamist debate

Polly Curtis, education correspondent
Wednesday September 21, 2005
The Guardian


Middlesex University has suspended the president of its student union and
revoked his studentship until further notice after he refused to cancel a
debate with the controversial Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir.
The union was ordered to cancel the debate at the end of last week but
refused, with the president of the student union, Keith Shilson, arguing
that it should be allowed on the grounds of freedom of speech. He claims the
group, which is considered by some to be extremist, including the prime
minister who announced his intention to proscribe it last month, is a
non-violent organisation.

Yesterday, Mr Shilson was escorted from the campus by university security in
what is believed to be the first disciplinary action to be taken against a
student over the issue of extremism.

Hizb ut-Tahrir has been banned by the National Union of Students (NUS)
because, according to NUS policy, the group is "responsible for supporting
terrorism and publishing material that incites racial hatred".

But last term Middlesex student union overturned the NUS ban and Mr Shilson
invited representatives of Hizb ut-Tahrir to give the Q&A session on
September 28 at the union's Hendon campus, which has the highest population
of Muslim students.

The university stepped in at the end of last week to order the cancellation
of the debate, following a speech by the education secretary, Ruth Kelly, in
which she said that vice-chancellors would have to crackdown on extremism on
campuses.

The university confirmed that Mr Shilson was yesterday suspended until
further notice and that the reason was his refusal to comply with the
university's demands over the debate.

In a statement today, the union said: "In light of recent events and the
press releases from MUSU [the student union] and Middlesex University
regarding the invitation to Hizb ut-Tahrir for a debate at the Hendon
campus. Middlesex University student union has withdrawn its invitation to
the speakers of the debate and the debate is cancelled."

The union is expected to meet today to decide what action it will take.

Imran Waheed, a media representative of Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain, said he was
writing to Prof Driscoll to request a meeting. "Mr Shilson is the elected
president of the student union. The McCarthyist treatment of Keith Shilson
by Middlesex University has wide implications for political expression and
dissent across universities," he said.

"Muslim students want to be able to engage in legitimate political
expression at universities without fear of being branded 'extremist'. It
appears that the university is intent on silencing legitimate political
dissent about western foreign policy and western support for dictators in
the Muslim world. This is in itself a form of extremism."

[The Philanderer]

We have reached a stage now where not only Muslims are
being persecuted for their beliefs but also members of other communities who may
defend Muslims against such persecution or simply seek to understand their
beliefs.


Is it possible that the western world are just concerned about the activities and beliefs of these people when placed against our own values, those we hold so dear?...... Is it possible that by their actions we fear they haven't exactly got our best interests at heart ? Is it possible that is the case?


Or let me guess, the constitution of this country means that regardless of the activity people should be able to do what they want?

Were you to ask me if we need to mature in the west to realise that the utopian idea that freedom for all regardless needs to be limited? I would answer a definite and absolute YES. I would limit the freedom of those that would destroy that freedom.

Now I really don't care what these guys were up to but if by their word or action they would harm my society or culture or worse still murder innocent people in a cowardly display of utter ignorance and futility. I would be the First to stand up and say NO.

If the Islamic world insists on living in the western world then it MUST convey the same respect it expects in return. You MUST respect our culture, despite its obvious faults, and learn how to compromise. We will sort ourselves out thank you very much, no help required, move along nothing to see here and all that. AND you must consider your role in the formation of our ideas.

The Chinese, European, South American, Russian, Japanese, Australian, New Zealand etc... ad nauseum have integrated here without issue. Why can't your culture do the same? What is so sacred about your culture (not your religion) that causes your difficulties? Why is it that nearly everywhere in the world Muslims are fighting with nearly everyone? Did it ever occur to you that your culture and its inherent intolerances might share some of the Blame?

I shake my head in wonder at the monotone singularity I read quoted above. It's like the author is suffering from a siege mentality.... really disturbing and doesn't half explain the reaction of the College to me.

[Arsalan]

The HT brothers do a great job at exposing the oppression and hypocricy of western institutions at home and abroad. Perhaps some people feel dismayed at people who have the courage to speak out, and take the time to speak out. Diverse and expansive opinion is an important part of an intellectually dynamic society, and HT brothers show some of these attributes in their literature and debates which tehy have opnely with "western" authors, capitalists, or newpaper editors.

[The Philanderer]

The HT brothers do a great job at exposing the oppression and hypocricy of western institutions at home and abroad. Perhaps some people feel dismayed at people who have the courage to speak out, and take the time to speak out. Diverse and expansive opinion is an important part of an intellectually dynamic society, and HT brothers show some of these attributes in their literature and debates which tehy have opnely with "western" authors, capitalists, or newpaper editors.OK... good for them. I hope they speak out about the expectations I notice you have so neatly sidestepped?

You know, the one about sharing the aspirations of mutual respect? As in you respect my culture if you wish to have the same returned? The one about when you expect rights they also come with responsibilities ? To the society in which you choose to make your home? Or don't you feel that these are subjects that warrant discussion?

I don't get the feeling that the good old HT Brothers do that, do they? Or maybe I'm wrong? Why don't you do what you I always hear you want the opportunity to do and help us understand your culture ? Or don't you believe the line in dhakiyya (member.php?u=3901)'s signature which tells us that 'People learn what they live'?

[spes]

From "The Methodology of Hizb ut-Tahrir for Change" at: http://www.hizb-ut-tahrir.org/english/books/pdfs/method_for_revival.pdf


"...the vital issue for Muslims in the whole world is the re-establishment of the rule of Allah through establishing the Khilafah...in order to demolish the rules of the Kufr and to replace them with the laws of Islam...and to carry the message of Islam to the whole world by invitation and Jihad."

"...to rule with anything other than the laws of Allah is a matter that makes it obligatory upon Muslims to declare war against the ruler..."

"Allah will not allow the disbelievers to have authority (sultan) over the believers" [An- Nisa:141]

"...the Prophet used to order the invasion of every land which did not submit to the Sultan of Muslims..."

"The Kalifah is given a pledge to be listened to and obeyed, on the condition that he governs over the people...and demolishes the laws of the Kufr...unifying the Muslim lands under the Khilafah State, and then carrying Islam to the rest of the world by invitation and Jihad."

"The Party also aims to carry Islam as a message to the world and to lead the Ummah in struggle with the Kufr and against the systems and thought of Kufr, until Islam prevails around the globe."

"...re-establishing Islam to exist in the life, state and society is the vital issue for Muslims."

"...the measure that should be attached to this vital issue is the measure of life or death."

"...war should be declared against the rulers if they do not establish the rules of Islam and display its rituals, and that they should be fought against if they establish the rules of Kufr,and their authority should be disputed..."

"Declaring war against them means fighting against them to remove them from the government and to re-establish the rules of Islam."

"Hizb ut-Tahrir concluded from all this study that the vital issue for the Islamic Ummah is the re-establishment of Islam in life, state and society, and the carrying of Islam as a message to the world through invitation and Jihad."

.

[The Philanderer]

"Declaring war against them means fighting against them to remove them from the government and to re-establish the rules of Islam."
Ok... and I say this with all sincerity in the world. "It ain't ever gonna happen." I suggest that you find another outlet for your energies. Even if your scientists were clever enough to destory our entire population (which I don't believe they are) we will never allow this to happen. We will not allow this to happen, regardless of what twisted and warped interpretations these hate filled people have

These people need to leave our lands, they are no longer welcome. If they want to practice such anti-western hate, they could at least have the manners to do it from their own house where their very existance doesn't cause offence.

The HT brothers do a great job at exposing the oppression and hypocricy of western institutions at home and abroad. Perhaps some people feel dismayed at people who have the courage to speak out, and take the time to speak out. Diverse and expansive opinion is an important part of an intellectually dynamic society, and HT brothers show some of these attributes in their literature and debates which tehy have opnely with "western" authors, capitalists, or newpaper editors. Yesterday 06:33 PM

Shame on you you horrible person. You wrap hate up in excuses while using the very banner of freedom our society provides you to attempt to destroy that freedom? You whine like screaming teenagers about your RIGHTS but when we DARE to mention your RESPONSIBILITIES you run like spoilt brats?

Hate only breeds hate and you need a good lesson to reflect upon this hate filled life you seem to hold so dear. No matter what God you believe in none of them reward hate.

[The Philanderer]

"...to rule with anything other than the laws of Allah is a matter that makes it obligatory upon Muslims to declare war against the ruler..." As for you spes... I really hope someone out there is praying for you because if this is all you have for the hand that feeds you, you too need to reflect upon why you define yourself by what you are not. Why everything above is expansionist, supremacist and is Islamofacist and yet you somehow give me the impression that you think it is right.

But while you're at least trying to answer (copy and paste is not an answer) I'll ask you this. What right have the people you have so neatly quoted above have to judge me? Who died and made them kings?

[spes]

As for you spes... I really hope someone out there is praying for you because if this is all you have for the hand that feeds you, you too need to reflect upon why you define yourself by what you are not. Why everything above is expansionist, supremacist and is Islamofacist and yet you somehow give me the impression that you think it is right.

But while you're at least trying to answer (copy and paste is not an answer) I'll ask you this. What right have the people you have so neatly quoted above have to judge me? Who died and made them kings?

I'm on your side my friend.

I post the words of Hizb ut-Tahrir for all to see.

.

[O~O]

I'm on your side my friend.

I post the words of Hizb ut-Tahrir for all to see.

.

Heck, I was just going to do the same thing :scratch:

http://www.hizb-ut-tahrir.org/english/leaflets/wilaya4.htm

http://www.hizb-ut-tahrir.org/english/english.html