LSE investigates its Islamic Society as men and women are segregated at annual ball

The Islamic society of the London School of Economics has been criticised by a leading Muslim women's group after hosting an event which segregated men from women.

Divided by a 7ft high screen, attendees were given separate phone numbers to dial to buy male or female tickets.

The annual event was held on Sunday evening at the Grand Connaught Rooms, near the university in Holborn.

I approached the Islamic Society for comment, they referred me to the General Secretary of the LSE who attended the dinner herself.

A viewpoint backed up by Perdita Blinkhorn, who runs LGBT+ Alliance at the LSE:

But did this event break the law? Currently, gender segregation is 'not permissible' in the UK under equality law. Unless it's in a building permanently or temporarily used for religious practices.

The LSE says it follows the EHRC guidance on this matter, and regards gender segregation at events on campus or organised by LSE or the LSE community as contrary to the law, except for certain exceptions such as occasions of religious worship or where segregation is entirely voluntary.The School says it's now investigating.

Some organisations are now asking serious questions of the Islamic Society. Should segregated events have a part to play in UK Universities?

Haydar Zaki from the Quilliam Foundation told me segregation alienates Muslims too.