Faith and Belief on Campus: Division and Cohesion
Event Information
Description
Universities are a symbolic battleground in today’s debates around our shared values and identities. They are accused on the one hand of restricting free speech, and on the other of being hotbeds of extremism. They are often seen as secular, yet are places where faith and belief groups flourish. What can we make of these contradictions, and what is the reality on the ground?
These issues will be discussed on 4th July at a conference organised by Theos, the religion and society thinktank. This conference brings together academics, students and staff working in student services and students’ unions to consider how faith and belief issues shape campus dynamics; the challenges that people of different faiths and beliefs face on campus; and what changes are needed in universities to support them better.
The event will see the launch of a major new research report by Theos and Coventry University: Faith and Belief on Campus: Division and Cohesion. This report sets out the findings of our research with faith and belief-related student societies in six universities. We explore the challenges these societies face on campus and the roles they play in fostering good relations on campus. We have also conducted the first mapping exercise of faith and belief-related student societies across the country.
In the evening, a keynote lecture on freedom of speech in universities will be delivered by David Isaac CBE, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). In February 2019, the EHRC published new guidance for universities on managing freedom of speech on campus.
The conference will be held in the Brunei Gallery Lecture Theatre, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Thornhaugh Street, London, WC1H 0XG. Directions here: https://www.soas.ac.uk/gallery/ Lunch is provided. Guests can choose to attend the day conference, the evening lecture, or both. Following the evening lecture there will be a drinks reception (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Programme
9.30 – 9.50 Registration (ground floor) and coffee (basement by lecture theatre). Please be seated by 9.50.
9.50 – 10.00 Welcome
10.00–12.00 Faith and Belief on Campus research: findings
12.00–13.00 Lunch (provided)
13.00–14.00 Panel 1: Supporting students of faith and belief on campus
14.00–15.00 Panel 2: How to live well on campus with difference
15.00–15.15 Coffee
15.15–16.15 Panel 3: Security, extremism and discrimination
16.15–17.15 Panel 4: Proselytism and secularism
19.00–20.15 Keynote lecture on freedom of speech in universities: David Isaac CBE, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission
20.15–21.00 Drinks reception (alcoholic and non–alcoholic).
Speakers
We are confirming our panellist lineup. Panellists confirmed so far include:
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Keynote evening lecture: David Isaac CBE, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission
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Dr Seth Anziska, Mohamed S. Farsi-Polonsky Lecturer in Jewish-Muslim Relations, University College London
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Professor Kristin Aune, Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University
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Giles Cattermole, London Team Leader, Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF)
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Professor Gwen Griffiths-Dickson, founder of the Lokahi Foundation
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Revd Cassandra Howes, Coordinating Chaplain, University of Bedfordshire
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Mohammed Uthman Isahaq, student at Queen Mary University of London, ParliaMentor 2018-19 with Faith & Belief Forum
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Daniel Kosky, Campaigns Organiser, Union of Jewish Students
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Dr David Muir, Senior Lecturer in Public Theology & Community Engagement, University of Roehampton
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Simon Perfect, Researcher, Theos; Teaching Fellow, School of Oriental and African Studies
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Ben Ryan, Head of Research, Theos
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Professor Alison Scott-Baumann, Department of Religions and Philosophies, School of Oriental and African Studies
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Alamgir Sheriyar, Prevent FE / HE Coordinator for the South East, Department for Education
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Jaspreet Singh, British Organisation of Sikh Societies (BOSS)
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Hannah Timson, Emeritus President, Humanist Students
Tickets
There are several ticket options - please scroll down all of them before you make your choice. Guests can choose to attend the day conference, the evening lecture, or both.
General admission tickets are available until 9am, 3rd July.
The closest underground station to the venue is Russell Square on the Piccadilly line. Entry is via the main ground floor reception to the Brunei Gallery at SOAS. Turn left through the double doors where you will need to register, and then make your way down via the stairs or take the lift to the main lecture theatre in the basement.
Please bring a print out of your eventbrite ticket or be prepared to show a confirmation on your phone or tablet.
Image by Jacob Lund from shutterstock.com available under licence
