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If it bears on questions of religious reverence, you might like to brief yourself on what respect Muslims feel should be accorded to the Prophet (pbuh) or the Qur'an.
Taking steps to resolve the grievance
Consider seeing each side separately to start with to map out the terrain of the issue.
If you intend to bring the parties together, keep emotions calm. The more feelings run high, the less people are to accept or even understand another point of view. Don't let the discussion go on without chairing it and controlling it yourself. Use your own skills to strip out any provocative phrases.
Consider having a 'vision statement' or a 'mission statement' or a similar aspirational message that is more positively phrased than 'anti-discrimination' or 'equal opportunities' policies usually are. Draw this up in a collaborative exercise.
Encourage students and staff alike to implement and respect this statement in their public events and debates.
Characteristics of a healthy atmosphere:
- Willingness to listen and understand the views of others
- Concern and attentiveness to their varied needs
- Visible fairness and equality
- Reciprocity is a key test of fairness in most people's eyes: where co-operation or commitment are requested, they are also given in turn
- Respect is manifested in words, actions, policies as well as interpersonal conduct
- Commitment to act on their concerns, rights, vulnerabilities
- Two-way trust
- Support made real in practical matters as well as 'good intentions'
- Clear benefits exist for positive attitudes and engagement: more carrots than sticks
- Appreciation for what they have to offer: that their presence enriches the university community and is a part of the university's character, ethos, identity