Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism are deeply rooted prejudices that target Muslims and individuals perceived as Muslim, such as Arab Christians and non-Muslim South Asians. These prejudices fuel hate speech, hostility, hate crimes, and intolerance, often manifesting as harassment, abuse, and intimidation. In the United States, Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism have been used to justify concerning policies, including mass surveillance, unjust entrapment, and the unfair imprisonment of members of the Muslim community. While their contemporary prominence can be traced back to the aftermath of 9/11, their origins trace further back to the Middle Ages when Muslims were inaccurately depicted as violent and uncivilized, serving as a recruitment tool for Crusaders and a rationalization for the colonial domination of Muslim nations.
Similar to other forms of discrimination, such as anti-blackness and antisemitism, Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism serve as a basis for discrimination and the endorsement of harmful policies, such as the NYPD Muslim Surveillance Program and the Muslim Travel Ban. Discriminatory policies can transcend the physical and digital domains, manifesting in educational, economic, and political arenas. It is incumbent upon institutions of higher education to uphold their responsibility in ensuring the safety and security of all students. We implore all students, campus staff, and administrators to actively combat Islamophobia and anti-Muslim racism on college campuses and within online communities across the United States.