October 2012 For immediate release

Multiculturalism experts to present at literary festival

Leeds Metropolitan University academics will examine some of the key debates around multiculturalism at the Ilkley Literature Festival tomorrow evening.

Multiculturalism has come under increasing scrutiny since the events of 9/11 and 7/7. From the Archbishop of Canterburys views on sharia law, the role of madrassas, the Popes pronouncements on Islam to the contested history of multiculturalism in the UK, Professor Reverend Simon Robinson, Emeritus Professor Max Farrar, Principal Lecturer Yasmin Valli and Dr Paul Wetherly will present findings from their recently published book, Islam in the West at the event, to be held at St Margarets Hall, Ilkley. Robinson, commented: In

Professor

recent

years

the

debate

on

multiculturalism in the UK and other western societies has focused principally on Islam, and the specific 'problems' said to be posed by Muslims have been invoked to justify the claim that multiculturalism has failed. However that claim is opened to scrutiny and is challenged in Islam in the West, and we are looking forward to discussing our research and findings further with the audience at tomorrows festival. Multiculturalism affects us all everybody has an opinion and a view about it and myself and the books coauthors are delighted to be have been given the opportunity to create this important publication.

Islam in the West proffers a series of explorations of specific issues and controversies including the question of the veil, crime, political Islam, the role of Muslim women, sexuality and more general reflections on the nature of multiculturalism. By exploring the nature of cultural differences and sensitivities and examining the way conflicts have played out the book makes a wide-ranging contribution to debate and a more constructive inter-cultural engagement. The contributors draw upon the disciplines of social science, ethics, theology, philosophy and education to examine the nature of the issues and flashpoints and to draw out implications for theory, policy and practice.

Professor Robinson is available today for interview to talk about some more of the issues explored in the book.

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For further details please contact Julia Williams in the Communications team at Leeds Met on 0113 8125978 or email j.t.williams@leedsmet.ac.uk

Notes for editors: Leeds Metropolitan University has over 25,000 students and around 3,000 staff. The Vice Chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University is Professor Susan Price and the Chair of the Board is Lord Woolmer of Leeds. Leeds Metropolitans four faculties are: Arts, Environment and Technology, Business & Law, Health and Social Sciences, and Carnegie. Leeds Metropolitans heritage can be traced back to the founding of the Mechanics Institute in Leeds in 1824.