Should I stay or should I go? The effect of London’s terrorist attack on the educational choices of Muslims

Abstract This paper evaluates how the July 2005 London terrorist attacks affected Muslim teenagers’ education plans and decisions. The triggered a violent backslash against community, which could have their incentives to continue in full-time education. I examine panel data on educational attitudes from “Next Steps” Survey England use month survey was administered divide individuals into treatment control groups. find that negatively of Muslims, but not those any other major religious group. probability planning non-compulsory decreased by around 4.4% points for Muslims after attacks. corresponds 69% increase who were sure whether or drop out However, this change appears be temporary reaction, since it did affect students’ actual decisions two years later.