Can we criticise countries or religions without being accused of racism or prejudice?

It is important to have the freedom to make criticisms of states and situations which you feel are deserving of criticism. It is also true that such situations can shade into prejudice, and you yourself may have felt on the receiving end of this at times.

Two areas you could focus your attention on:

- Are you applying the same standards that you would apply to yourself? Are you fair?
- The way that you express it. Do you slide from criticising a specific action to condemning a whole group, or seeing that action as 'characteristic' of the group?

Islamophobia, Anti-Semitism and Criticism of Israel

Both of these areas are sensitive; both legitimate comment and hate-fuelled attacks have featured on the horizon in recent times.

One way forward would be to run a workshop or discussion group, or even a citizens' jury to explore the boundaries and limits between acceptably-phrased critique and hate speech. Guidelines exist both for anti-Semitism and for Islamophobia. These guidelines may not be ones that everyone agrees with. Some aspects of them therefore might be debated. This makes them a useful starting point for encouraging an analytic and constructive analysis of whether criticism of Israel is anti-Semitic or criticism of Islam or Muslims is Islamophobic - yes, no, or sometimes? - and if 'sometimes', then under what conditions. You could adapt the activity formats like a citizens' jury or moral maze to structure a debate.

There are several versions of guidelines on Islamophobia. Guidelines on anti-Semitism have also been drafted by the EU, including the context in which criticism of the state of Israel might or might not be deemed to be anti-Semitic. This document in itself could form the basis of a workshop or discussion group. It is a 'working definition' and thus represents work in progress, rather than a universally agreed understanding. Some aspects of it therefore might be debated. This makes it a useful starting point for encouraging an analytic and constructive analysis of whether criticism of Israel is anti-Semitic - yes, no, or sometimes? - and if 'sometimes', then under what conditions.

NASUWT

Islam online

European Draft Working Definition

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 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 - 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