UK: Christian preachers - out. Moslem Imams - in.

Imams to teach citizenship in UK schools (WTF?)

The package of measures, to be published next week, will set out a proposal to invite British-born imams into schools to speak about growing violent extremism among young people.

Under the plans, the imams would teach citizenship so that pupils learn about the Koran and Islam in the context of a multicultural society. But last night the scheme was described as yet another worthless Government gimmick.

Opponents said the plans would simply provide another opportunity to deliver “faith-based citizenship lessons” on Islam.

Winning hearts and minds? Or converts?
snip...Government officials said the imams could take part in lessons which include “discussing rights of neighbours, the sacredness of life or the importance of equal opportunities.” They said teachers and clerics would be urged to help counter the threat of terrorism by winning the “hearts and minds” of youngsters.

The plans form part of new guidance to encourage local authorities and police to work more closely with schools.

The officials said that imams and other adults granted access to pupils will be vetted for radical Islamist views to undermine efforts to spread extremist doctrine. But there is no guarantee that extremist imams will not slip through the net. The proposals come in the wake of last week’s Exeter restaurant bombing, which police suspect was carried out by a British-educated convert to Islam.

It sounds like Mr. Balls (Schools Secretary) needs to grow a pair.
snip....Mr Balls said a “tiny minority do seek to radicalise young people with an ideology advocating division, hatred and violence, and justifies criminal activity.” This, he said, was one of the “complex issues” that teachers have to deal with and is “perhaps one of the most difficult”.

He added: “Unfortunately, we have to recognise that a very small number of children may already be at risk of being drawn into criminal activity inspired by extremists.

“This is not to suggest that radicalisation is taking place in our schools. However, we must ensure schools are equipped to face this challenge.”

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