Counterterrorism on Campus†

The threat of terrorism and risks of radicalization pervade modern life. Universities are no exception, especially as young people are vulnerable to recruitment by extremist groups. Nonetheless, the decision of the United Kingdom (UK) government to place universities and other educational institutions under the statutory 'Prevent duty,' requiring them 'to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism,' is controversial. This article examines the historical background to this novel development in the complex interplay of hard and soft power security strategies. It asks why universities in the UK have been co-opted as agents of counterterrorism and reflects on the implications of the Prevent duty for fundamental rights, not least freedom of speech and academic freedom. It concludes by considering whether this security obligation is consistent with the larger role of the university in a democratic society.