19 March 2016

Gender segregation: breaking the law to appease Islamism

Students and staff at the London School of Economics (LSE) are accustomed to being in the limelight. Whether it is taking money from North-African dictators, promoting anti-Muslim and homophobic charities or harassing atheist students for their ‘blasphemous’ t-shirts – LSE is often at the centre of controversy.

Now, another facet has been added to the picture. The London School of Economics Students’ Union Islamic Society recently held a gender segregated dinner.

The legal situation is clear. In their guidance on ‘Gender segregation at Events and Meetings: guidance for Universities and Students’ Unions’, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) states that: "Gender segregation is not permitted in any academic meetings or at events, lectures or meetings provided for students, or at events attended by members of the public or employees of the university or the students’ union (EHRC, 2014: 2)." [The Freethinker] Read more