Survey Into London’s Muslim Students

A survey looking at the challenges facing Muslim students in further education has been launched by the Mayor of London.

Mayor Ken Livingstone said: “London has the most diverse population of any city in the world, and its student population is particularly diverse. London’s cosmopolitan nature is its greatest strength and yet some communities can face exclusion that affects many aspects of their lives. The increase in Islamophobia has impacted on many in the London Muslim community, including students.

‘This survey aims to explore the experiences of Muslim students in London’s Universities and Colleges and is being implemented following representations from Muslim students and the National Union of Students’ Black Students campaign. I have been greatly concerned to hear about education inequality issues raised by some of London’s Muslim community.

‘I hope that this report will help universities and colleges better understand the particular problems faced by Muslim students and identify factors that support or hinder opportunities to learn.”

The survey is a direct response to issues raised to the Mayor at a series of stakeholder seminars and conferences earlier this year. The research will be used to help identify strategies and approaches that can address the challenges that they face.

The survey will be sent to further and higher education institutions, mosques, community groups, student and youth organisations across London. The deadline for responding to the survey is 15 December 2007.