Young Perspectives on Extremism
On Tuesday, 24 March, the School of Law hosted Resilience in Unity for a Project Unity event, 'Young Perspectives on Extremism'.
This event brought together two victims of terrorism, Travis Frain, a survivor of the Westminster Bridge Attack, and Merete Stamneshagen, the mother of a victim of the 2011 Utoya Attack in Norway, and a formerly radicalised individual, Bill Andrews, to discuss their experiences of terrorism and extremism and to reflect upon how this had affected their lives.
The discussion, hosted by Dr Andrew Pitt and chaired by Joey Hills of Mitie, was broad ranging and offered emotional and profound insights into the long-lasting effects of victimhood and the complex journey into and out of radicalism.
Students were invited to question government responses to terrorism and how we can all play a role in identifying and reducing the likelihood of turns to extremism. Students made the most of the opportunity to engage with our guests in a Q&A and whilst mingling over refreshments.