College campuses are supposed to be places of learning, open discourse, and respect for individuals from all backgrounds. However, for Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students, that ideal can feel far from reality. Islamophobia, anti-Muslim racism, anti-Arab racism, & anti-Palestinian racism are all too common on college campuses, creating a hostile environment that can hinder academic success and overall well-being. According to research from Pew, this is especially the case during election seasons, when these forms of racism and discrimination are used as a political tool to manipulate popularity by certain political candidates.
The Campus Islamophobia Tracker serves as a crucial tool for documenting incidents of Islamophobia, anti-Muslim racism, anti-Arab racism, & anti-Palestinian racism, giving a voice to these experiences and holding institutions accountable. In the spirit of transparency, we share all collected incidents on our website, so that students and families can observe where incidents are taking place.
Why Document Islamophobia?
- Raises Awareness: By compiling data, the Tracker sheds light on the true extent of the problem for college students. This data can be used to educate the public, lawmakers, and university administrators about the challenges faced by Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students. Unlike many other reporting mechanisms in the Muslim community, this is the only that focuses on the college student population.
- Empowers Students: Reporting an incident can be empowering for a student who has been targeted. The Tracker allows them to share their experience and know they are not alone.
- Informs Advocacy Efforts: The data collected by the Tracker informs our advocacy efforts. We are using it to push for better policies and resources on campuses to create a more inclusive environment.
What Can You Do?
- Spread Awareness: Share information about the Campus Islamophobia Tracker with your friends, classmates, and social networks.
- Report Incidents: If you witness or experience Islamophobia as a college student, report it to the Tracker. You can do so anonymously, but including details allows for more effective advocacy.
- Educate Yourself: Learn more about Islamophobia, anti-Muslim racism, anti-Arab racism, & anti-Palestinian racism. The more we understand these issues, the better equipped we are to challenge them.
Creating a safe and inclusive space for all students is vital for a healthy learning environment. The Campus Islamophobia Tracker is a powerful tool to establish a safe and inclusive campus environment. By working together, we can ensure that every student feels welcome and respected on campus.