Dear Editor,

I am surprised at Bill Rammell’s suggestion that a request for timetable flexibility during major faith events could be seen an "unreasonable demand" (RE: “Muslim students find a voice” Education Guardian) . Rather, it should be seen as a basic democratic call for the needs of Jewish, Muslim and Sikh students to be considered equally with those of Christian students, who are not forced to make a choice between religious and university commitments.

The increasing diversity of students in higher education will mean that authorities will need to address the specific requirements of different groups of students through a variety of methods. This is not restricted to students who observe a faith, but is also seen in the need for greater flexibility for part-time students often based away from campuses, or in provision being made for mature students with children.

The best way to isolate ‘extremism’ is to enter into a genuine dialogue with the mainstream representatives of the community to ensure that their needs are met. This dialogue must be premised on the fact that all will be treated equally. It will not be successful if students feel from the outset that key Government figures like Bill Rammell believe that basic demands are ‘bound to be rejected’.

Yours sincerely

Pav Akhtar
NUS Black Student’s Officer

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