Dutch ministry probes possible conflict of interest in Muslim youth discrimination study
The Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment is investigating a potential conflict of interest in a recent study on discrimination against Muslim youth, after it emerged that the study’s funding and leadership may have overlapping personal ties.
The research, conducted by the Knowledge Platform for Inclusive Living (KIS), examined discrimination and exclusion experienced by young Muslims. The ministry said the findings, which report that “young Muslims face daily discrimination and exclusion” affecting their wellbeing and future prospects, were commissioned to inform policy.
However, an inquiry by Trouw revealed that the study was partially funded by the ISN Academy, an organization linked to the Islamic Foundation of the Netherlands (ISN) and the Turkish government through the Diyanet mosque network. The academic director of ISN Academy is married to the KIS researcher who led the discrimination study. This family connection was not disclosed to the ministry nor mentioned in the report.
The ministry became aware of the relationship by chance while preparing for a parliamentary discussion of the study scheduled for Monday. Minister Thierry Aartsen (VVD) was informed on Tuesday, according to ministry statements.
“The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment said, ‘This should not have happened,’” reflecting concern about the potential conflict of interest.
The ministry has commissioned a financial audit and an independent scientific review to determine whether the study’s findings remain reliable. “The review must show whether the research is sufficiently trustworthy,” officials said.
Experts who reviewed the case expressed unanimous concern. Lousewies van der Laan, director of Transparency International Netherlands and former D66 parliamentarian, said, “This seems like clear conflict of interest. Such a family connection cannot be ignored and must always be disclosed. This does not look good.”
KIS responded that the relationship could create the appearance of a lack of independence. “We recognize that this is not desirable and are taking measures to prevent it in the future,” the platform said, emphasizing that “the ISN Academy had no influence on the design or results of the research” and that KIS stands behind the study’s conclusions.
The KIS program is operated by the Verwey-Jonker Institute and Movisie, a social research institute, and receives funding from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment.
