JACRU co-organise Islamophobia fact-finding visit
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Staff and students from the Social Science pathways took part in a highly successful event held in Peterborough jointly organised by the Justice and Communities Research Unit (JACRU) at Anglia Ruskin, Peterborough Race Equality Council, and University Centre Peterborough.
A panel of local experts and community leaders considered the impact of anti-Muslim prejudice on life in Peterborough. Topics covered included last year's march by the English Defence League in the city, the role of negative media coverage in provoking anti-Muslim sentiment, and the dilemmas posed when trying to balance freedom of expression with respect for cultural difference. Panel members included MJ Ladha Director of Peterborough Race Equality Council, Chief Inspector Kevin Vanterpool of Cambridgeshire Police, a local councillor, a member of the Association of Muslim Police, and representatives from two of the largest mosques in the city. Informal breakout groups allowed staff and students to question these panel members in small groups that continued over lunch. Following lunch there was a visit to the Faizan-e-Medina Mosque and more discussion this time with local religious leaders.
Dr David Skinner of JACRU commented:
"This was a chance for students to explore issues we address in the classroom through active enquiry in a real world setting. A feature of the day was the opportunity to meet and question a wide range of key informants.
"Our undergraduate and postgraduate students are already taking part in projects researching Peterborough's ethnic minority communities, looking at issues such as arranged marriage and precarious employment. We anticipate working more closely with the Race Equality Council in the future."
For more information about the event please contact Dr David Skinner.
A panel of local experts and community leaders considered the impact of anti-Muslim prejudice on life in Peterborough. Topics covered included last year's march by the English Defence League in the city, the role of negative media coverage in provoking anti-Muslim sentiment, and the dilemmas posed when trying to balance freedom of expression with respect for cultural difference. Panel members included MJ Ladha Director of Peterborough Race Equality Council, Chief Inspector Kevin Vanterpool of Cambridgeshire Police, a local councillor, a member of the Association of Muslim Police, and representatives from two of the largest mosques in the city. Informal breakout groups allowed staff and students to question these panel members in small groups that continued over lunch. Following lunch there was a visit to the Faizan-e-Medina Mosque and more discussion this time with local religious leaders.
Dr David Skinner of JACRU commented:
"This was a chance for students to explore issues we address in the classroom through active enquiry in a real world setting. A feature of the day was the opportunity to meet and question a wide range of key informants.
"Our undergraduate and postgraduate students are already taking part in projects researching Peterborough's ethnic minority communities, looking at issues such as arranged marriage and precarious employment. We anticipate working more closely with the Race Equality Council in the future."
For more information about the event please contact Dr David Skinner.
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