Most of us believe that every person, no matter our religion, where we come from, or what we look like, deserves to live with freedom, safety, and belonging. Yet, anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias in addition to incidents of Islamophobia continue to rise in our schools and communities. It remains imperative for educators, students, and families to work together to create safe and welcoming school communities for all.
To that end, we’ve curated a list of resources from respected organizations to help educators better understand and address Islamophobia and anti-Muslim bias in their school and community.
Islamophobia is Pervasive, Systemic, and a Threat to All
The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding provides objective research and education about American Muslims to support well-informed dialogue and decision-making. They’ve compiled several studies, including their American Muslim Poll, in a downloadable report to provide a robust understanding of the prevalence, manifestations, and consequences of anti-Muslim bigotry as well as responses to it.
Islamophobia through the Eyes of Muslims
The Othering & Belonging Institute advances research, policy, and work related to marginalized communities. In 2020 they conducted a national survey among the U.S. Muslim population to understand the prevalence of Islamophobia in the U.S. from the perspectives of those who bear the brunt of its effects on their daily lives. The six-part report covers participants’ demographics, perceptions, experiences, societal engagement, and the social and psychological impacts they experience as a result of Islamophobia.
Countering and Dismantling Islamophobia: A Comprehensive Guide for Individuals and Corporations
This toolkit is a collection of resources and proven best practices to empower communities and individuals to effectively counter and dismantle Islamophobia in its various forms in their homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and communities. The guide includes tools for both rapid response and immediate actions to address and stymie Islamophobia, along with several proactive long-term opportunities to address systemic challenges through education and coalition-oriented ideas.
Challenging Islamophobia in Public Schools
This report from the Islamophobia Studies Center informs policy makers, school districts, educators, and researchers about the overall problems Muslims are facing in public schools as a result of an increase in Islamophobia and the lack of training schools provide in dealing with this issue. It recommends strategies and tools to challenge anti-Muslim bias for school administrators and teachers and in doing, aims to help create inclusive educational spaces that promote critical thinking and empower students to be transformative leaders in the twenty-first century.
Dismantling Islamophobia
Addressing anti-Muslim harassment in schools requires and approach that's different from other anti-bullying initiatives. This article from the Harvard Graduate Schools of Education provides six tips on how to combat anti-Muslim bullying in schools.
Guide to Supporting Muslim Students
The San Diego County Office of Education provides resources aimed at understanding Muslim students' experiences. Watch a recorded panel discussion with students, find resources on celebrating and uplifting Muslims (including recommended books by grade level), guidance on countering Islamophobia in schools, and information to help educators better understand Muslim students.
Biden Administration Statement
Read the statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s Establishment of First-Ever National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia.
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