Islamophobia Definition
Sign our working definition of Islamophobia below. As of now, we have 384 signatures.
Current published definitions of Islamophobia are not explicit in what behavior could be classified as Islamophobic or anti-Muslim bigotry. This definition, written by students, provides a framework for educators and administrators to appropriately identify the behavior listed below as hate incidents so that it may be handled appropriately.
Below is our working definition:
Islamophobia is not only the fear of Islam and Muslims, but bigotry towards Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim. As defined by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2018, “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.”
Islamophobia can be expressed verbally, in writing, and during in-person or online interactions. Islamophobia may manifest itself in stereotypes, prejudice, and othering of Muslims and Muslim communities. In its worst forms, Islamophobia may lead to intentional violence towards or the genocide of Muslim communities.
Muslim students and employees are protected under law from discrimination on the basis of their faith. Hate crimes, including violent crimes and criminal threats, against Muslims or those perceived to be Muslim may be prosecuted in a court of law.
The following incidents fall under our definition of Islamophobic actions, but may not be prosecutable. Rather, these examples will guide us in our efforts to combat all forms of Islamophobia in educational institutions, places of work, public spaces, and other environments.
Islamophobic actions or behavior include:
Using dehumanizing rhetoric, language, and images when discussing Muslims or Islam (e.g., references to savagery, barbarism, animalistic behavior).
Making statements that are demonizing, false, or stereotypical about Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim.
Accusing or implying that Muslims and/or Islam are incompatible with Western/democratic values.
Assuming that the religion of Islam is inherently bigoted towards any group (e.g., assuming all Muslims are antisemitic).
Assuming that the religion of Islam is inherently violent, or that Muslims are inherently bloodthirsty.
Making false assumptions or accusations about the contents of the Quran and/or beliefs held by the Muslim community as a whole, or purposefully misrepresenting words or quotations from religious texts.
Holding the entire Muslim community responsible for any real or imagined wrongdoing by individuals/governments/liberation movements/terrorist groups that explicitly or implicitly align themselves with Islam, or asking them to condemn these organizations because of their Muslim identity (e.g., asking Muslim peers to condemn Hamas unprompted).
The burning or desecration of Qurans or other holy texts and materials.
Approving discriminatory policies that target Muslims (e.g., banning religious coverings like hijab or niqab, blocking access to mosques, prohibiting accommodations during Ramadan).
Calling for, aiding, justifying, or remaining complicit in the intentional targeting of Muslim populations.
Accusing Muslims of fabricating genocides or ethnic cleansings of Muslim or majority-Muslim communities.
Associating Muslims or Islam with terrorism and anti-Western movements.
Questioning and demanding proof of integrity and alliance of Muslims citizens to their nation without cause.
Intentionally minimizing a complex conflict in the Muslim world as solely religious.
Limiting the democratic freedoms of Muslim citizens when the country is under threat by other Islamic countries (e.g., restricting free speech, prohibiting peaceful demonstrations for issues involving the Muslim world or community).
*The format of the working definition was modeled off the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, and was written based on personal experience in addition to being influenced by other definitions of Islamophobia, including but not limited to those written by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims, Professor Imran Awan and Dr. Irene Zempi for the 46th Session of Human Rights Council, Khaled A. Beydoun for the Columbia Law Review, The Bridge Initiative, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Sign the definition here.
