Minister Thierry Aartsen (Work and Participation, VVD) wants a reassessment of a report on discrimination against Muslim youth. Daily newspaper Fidelity reported Thursday morning about possible conflicts of interest in the research, which was co-financed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. The ministry is late NRC know how to request an “external review”.
The Inclusive Society Knowledge Platform (KIS), co-financed by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment (SZW), conducted a study into discrimination and exclusion of Muslim youth. In addition to SZW, the ISN (Islamic Foundation of the Netherlands) Academy co-financed the study. But the scientist who led the research at KIS turns out to be married to the academic director of the ISN Academy.
The ministry contributed a total of 40,000 euros to the research, Aartsen wrote to the House of Representatives on Thursday. ISN Academy paid 5,000 euros.
The family relationship between researcher and financier was not mentioned anywhere and was not shared with the ministry, the newspaper wrote. According to the ministry, Minister Aartsen (VVD) was informed on Tuesday. On Thursday, according to the ANP news agency, he said he wanted a reassessment of the investigation, as well as a financial and integrity investigation within KIS.
In a statement to the ANP news agency, the KIS acknowledges the existence of a “personal relationship”. “In this process, it was not sufficiently recognized that this could give the impression that the investigation was not conducted independently.” The KIS understands that this is “undesirable” and says it will take measures to prevent such situations in the future. The report’s conclusions – that young Muslims face discrimination and exclusion on a daily basis, with negative consequences for their well-being, self-esteem and future prospects – remain valid as far as the KIS is concerned.
The ministry will have the research assessed externally and, based on the results, will assess the reliability of the research and determine any follow-up steps, a spokesperson for SZW said.
