Islamophobia Awareness
What is Islamophobia?
Islamophobia is defined in the UK as ‘rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness’.
Under the Equality Act 2021, Muslims are a religious group so discrimination against Muslims would be a type of religious discrimination. However, hostility or prejudice is often based on what are perceived to be cultural and physical traits of Muslims, rooted in racism.
Islamophobia frequently employs harmful and untrue stereotypes to actively damage Muslims and the wider reputation of Islam. Misinformation from the media and far-right commentators continue to fuel active hatred towards Muslims (and those perceived to be Muslim), actions that affect millions of people of colour in the UK.
What is Islamophobia Awareness Month and why is it important at Loughborough University?
Islamophobia Awareness Month, held every November, aims to raise awareness of Islamophobia, to challenge stereotypes, and to showcase the positive contributions of Muslims in society.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is a core element in the University’s strategy. We have committed to prioritise activities that identify and remove systemic inequities and to promote and progress equity and inclusion. As an insitution led by values, we have committed to ensure all communities are welcomed to our campus and feel a part of the wider University community. We have a responsibility to support Muslim students and staff, to provide a safe and welcoming environment, and to allow them to freely express and practice their faith.
What resources are available?
Loughborough University has a range of tools to support students and staff dealing with the effects of Islamophobia.
For students and staff:
The University Chaplaincy is located upstairs in the Edward Herbert Building. They have a 1:1 listening service, drop-in sessions, chaplaincy-led events and support for faith groups. They also have a prayer space, ablution facilities and multi-faith rooms for all students and staff to use.
The REACH staff network and the Ethnic Minorities student network support people of all racially minoritised backgrounds, working to address institutional issues and cater to specific needs of racialised groups. LSU’s Islamic Society provides a space for students to come together and support each other, be they Muslim or simply curious about the religion.
Student Services (Email: studentservices@lboro.ac.uk or Call: 01509 222765) offer a range of support, including mental health and wellbeing, and advice specifically for international students. Support for London students is also available (Email: London-Welfare@lboro.ac.uk or Call: 020 3805 1303/1351). One-to-one support with an advisor is also available. If you would like to access this support, please complete the online referral form.
Reporting incidents:
Students and staff can use the online reporting tool to report instances of Islamophobia, racism, and any form of abuse or discrimination, whether these take place on or off campus.
The University has a partnership with The Race Equality Centre in Leicester. You can contact them to access support in Leicestershire or in London.
Tell MAMA and the IRU (Islamophobia Response Unit) are external organisations through you can make reports and access support.
For immediate assistance in an emergency situation, on or off campus, contact Security 0800 526966 (Freephone) or the Police (999).
For managers and allies:
We have shared below a list of organisations working to combat Islamophobia in the UK. You can find lot of reading, resources and training here.
Further reading:
Lived experiences and improved futures for Muslim students, doctoral researchers and staff at Loughborough University - research report
MEND (Muslim Engagement and Development) - tackling Islamophobia via advocacy in Westminster and media engagement
Islamophobia Awareness Month - raising awareness of Islamophobia and to showcase the positive contributions of Muslims in society.
The Aziz Foundation - charitable foundation offering scholarships schemes for British Muslims
Markfield Institute - the UK's leading institute for Islamic higher education