Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II said Sunday that Jordanian universities are for all the country's sons and daughters, and that it is unacceptable that they become a haven for violence and factionalism, or to harbour extremism or exclusionism.

"We will never tolerate or accept the continuation of violence on campuses. Breaking the law is totally rejected and is reprehensible", the King said at a meeting with presidents of government universities at Al Husseiniyeh Palace, stressing that "no one is above the law, either students or university staff".

"Violence on campus is a red line and must stop", His Majesty stressed, urging cooperation and collective work by all stakeholders so that 2017 will be a new start, and stressing that university teachers should be a role model for youth.

The King called for creating a "positive environment" in campuses through working to instill the values of initiative, innovation, entrepreneurship and effective citizenship among students, stressing guidance, rehabilitation and capacity-building of students in a manner suitable with labour market needs.

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Adel Tweisi said public universities had in the last three years introduced a series of measures passed by the Higher Education Council to curb violence on campus and elevate the higher education process involving all its components.

Also during the meeting, the heads of universities reviewed plans to crack down on riots in universities through extracurricular activities, spreading awareness and guidance, stressing coordination with the various authorities to reign in violence to arrive at a violence-free campus that stimulates creativity and innovation.

They also spoke about plans to promote entrepreneurship and excellence within social responsibility courses that cover citizenship, "immunisation" of students against extremist ideology and promotion of dialogue and tolerance.