Skip Navigation
We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience, provide ads, analyze site traffic, and personalize content. If you continue to use this site, you consent to our use of cookies.
Advice

Countering Islamophobia

Resources to challenge anti-Muslim bias and create safer, more welcoming communities.
Three high school students, one wearing a headscarf, work on a laptop together Getty Images
Published: January 19, 2024

Most of us believe that every person, no matter our religion, where we come from, or what we look like, deserves to live with freedom, safety, and belonging. Yet, anti-Muslim and anti-Arab bias in addition to incidents of Islamophobia continue to rise in our schools and communities. It remains imperative for educators, students, and families to work together to create safe and welcoming school communities for all.

To that end, we’ve curated a list of resources from respected organizations to help educators better understand and address Islamophobia and anti-Muslim bias in their school and community.

Islamophobia is Pervasive, Systemic, and a Threat to All 

The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding provides objective research and education about American Muslims to support well-informed dialogue and decision-making. They’ve compiled several studies, including their American Muslim Poll, in a downloadable report to provide a robust understanding of the prevalence, manifestations, and consequences of anti-Muslim bigotry as well as responses to it. 

Learn more     

Islamophobia through the Eyes of Muslims 

The Othering & Belonging Institute advances research, policy, and work related to marginalized communities. In 2020 they conducted a national survey among the U.S. Muslim population to understand the prevalence of Islamophobia in the U.S. from the perspectives of those who bear the brunt of its effects on their daily lives. The six-part report covers participants’ demographics, perceptions, experiences, societal engagement, and the social and psychological impacts they experience as a result of Islamophobia. 

Download the report 

Countering and Dismantling Islamophobia: A Comprehensive Guide for Individuals and Corporations 

This toolkit is a collection of resources and proven best practices to empower communities and individuals to effectively counter and dismantle Islamophobia in its various forms in their homes, neighborhoods, businesses, and communities. The guide includes tools for both rapid response and immediate actions to address and stymie Islamophobia, along with several proactive long-term opportunities to address systemic challenges through education and coalition-oriented ideas. 

Download the toolkit

Challenging Islamophobia in Public Schools 

This report from the Islamophobia Studies Center informs policy makers, school districts, educators, and researchers about the overall problems Muslims are facing in public schools as a result of an increase in Islamophobia and the lack of training schools provide in dealing with this issue. It recommends strategies and tools to challenge anti-Muslim bias for school administrators and teachers and in doing, aims to help create inclusive educational spaces that promote critical thinking and empower students to be transformative leaders in the twenty-first century. 

Learn more 

Dismantling Islamophobia     

Addressing anti-Muslim harassment in schools requires and approach that's different from other anti-bullying initiatives. This article from the Harvard Graduate Schools of Education provides six tips on how to combat anti-Muslim bullying in schools.

Learn more

Guide to Supporting Muslim Students     

The San Diego County Office of Education provides resources aimed at understanding Muslim students' experiences. Watch a recorded panel discussion with students, find resources on celebrating and uplifting Muslims (including recommended books by grade level), guidance on countering Islamophobia in schools, and information to help educators better understand Muslim students.

Learn more

Biden Administration Statement

Read the statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on President Biden’s Establishment of First-Ever National Strategy to Counter Islamophobia.

Learn more

 

Related Resources from NEA

atlast map of israel and gaza

Conflict in the Middle East: Resources for Educators

Scroll down to find resources and guidance educators can use to help address the ongoing crisis and support students in the classroom.
Freedom to Learn

Freedom to Learn

This toolkit contains guidance to protecting the right to an honest and culturally inclusive education that relies on well-trained and supported educators and curriculum to help students reckon with our past and shape our future.
bullying prevention

Preventing Violence & Bullying Professional Learning

NEA offers educators two types of professional learning to help protect students from bullying and create safer school environments. Learn more

Are you an affiliate?

Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Black female presenter at educator conference

Create a Safe and Equitable Learning Environment for All Students

NEA's Center for Racial and Social Justice offers a professional development program designed to help educators identify and correct explicit and implicit discrimination in their classrooms. Student-centered, research-based, and educator-driven, our trainings and resources help educators adjust their practice to better serve students from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, promoting racial and social justice in their communities.
National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.