Islamophobia Awareness

What is Islamophobia and how does it manifest?

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. People of colour, including many Sikhs and Hindus, report experiencing Islamophobic hate crimes. The perpetrators don’t care whether the target is Muslim or what their beliefs are – they target those who fit the description of what they believe a Muslim looks like.

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.

Against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict and crisis in the Middle East, instances of Islamophobia in the UK have soared. In August this year, we saw riots throughout the UK fuelled by Islamophobia, racism and anti-immigration sentiment. Islamophobia Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of the experiences of Muslims in the UK, including within the 天堂视频 community. However, actions to combat Islamophobia and support our Muslim communities must continue all year round.

Statistics on Islamophobia and religious hate crime

On 10 October, the Home Office published Official Statistics for England and Wales for the year March 2023- March 2025 in England and Wales.1

The number of religious hate crimes targeted at Jewish people more than doubled to 3,282 reported crimes (from 1,542 in the previous year). 33% of all religious hate crimes in the last year were targeted towards Jewish people.

The number of religious hate crimes targeted against Muslims increased by 13% to 3,866 offences (from 3,432 the previous year). Almost 2 in 5 (38%) of religious hate crimes were targeted against Muslims.

There were 702 reported hate crimes against Christians, 193 against Hindus and 216 against Sikhs – 7%, 2% and 2% respectively as a proportion of religious hate crimes over the year.

It is also worth noting that other organisations have reported higher numbers of incidents. Tell MAMA is an independent, non-governmental organisation which provides support victims of anti-Muslim hatred. They have recorded 4,971 incidents of anti-Muslim hate and discrimination between 7 October 2023 and 30 September 2024, the highest total ever recorded in over a decade2. Work is needed to address institutional racism, individual biases and Islamophobic sentiment which is embeded into our institutions including the police3.

What is Islamophobia Awareness Month and why is it important at 天堂视频?

Islamophobia Awareness Month, held in November, is a charity organisation whose mission is to raise awareness of Islamophobia, to challenge Muslim 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 our 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.

During November, EDI Services and the University Chaplaincy will be facilitating an Islamophobia Awareness Exhibition on both the Midlands and the London campus, showcasing positive Muslim contributions in the UK and highlight the issue of Islamophobia in various areas of society. Dates for this exhibition will be confirmed and publicised soon.

The University is facilitating a Peace Assembly on Wednesday 13 November, bringing together members of the University community in solidarity for peace. The Assembly will be a space for expression through respectful discussion, creative and performing arts and quiet reflection.鈥疶he aim is for the Peace Assembly to be a forerunner to community members forming a 天堂视频 Peace Alliance, which would support鈥痜urther community events in the future. Find more information and register your place at the Peace Assembly.鈥�

What resources are available?

天堂视频 have a wide range of support tools to help affected students and staff deal with the effects of Islamophobia, as well as tools and actions to eliminate it entirely in the University.

For students and staff:

The Universiy 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 stuents and staff to use.

The REACH staff network and the support people of all racially minoritised backgrounds, working to address institutional issues and cater to specific needs of racialised groups. LSU’s 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鈥痬ental health and wellbeing, and advice specifically for鈥痠nternational students. Support for London students is also available (贰尘补颈濒:鈥疞辞苍诲辞苍-奥别濒蹿补谤别蔼濒产辞谤辞.补肠.耻办 or Call: 020 3805 1303/1351).鈥€€疧ne-to-one support鈥痺ith an advisor鈥痠s also available.鈥疘f you would like to access this support, please complete the鈥�.鈥赌赌赌赌�

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.

and are external organisations through you can make reports and access support. You can also contact if you have been subjected to hate crime, to access support in Leicestershire or in London.

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.

We hope line managers will encourage and accommodate staff who wish to attend the Peace Assembly on Wednesday 13 November or engage with staff networks or other support services at the University.

Please contact EDI@lboro.ac.uk with any questions.

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