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This is an archive article published on June 1, 2008

Imams to be drafted in British govt schools

Britain will draft imams born on its soil into state schools to teach children about Islam in an effort to tackle religious extremism in the country.

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Britain will draft imams born on its soil into state schools to teach children about Islam in an effort to tackle religious extremism in the country.

This is part of the government’s “Prevent” strategy aimed at weeding out extremism before it takes root. Ed Balls, the Schools Secretary said that a minority of children could be at risk from extremists.

In an article for The Times Educational Supplement, Balls said that extremists played on fears, ignorance and prejudice.

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“Education can be a powerful weapon against this,” he said.

In an effort to allay fears that imams taking part in the scheme could themselves be spreading extremist doctrine, education chiefs will be required to look into the political background of individuals and any organisations invited through the school gates.

Also the imams will have to be British born as the government believes they can tackle faith issues in the context of rights of neighbours, the sacredness of life and the importance of equal opportunities.

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