Islamophobia

The University of Edinburgh is committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all students and staff, and does not tolerate Islamophobia or anti‑Muslim hostility in any form.

Our expectations for behaviour are set out in the University’s Dignity & Respect Policy, which affirms the right of every member of our community to learn and work free from harassment, discrimination and hate.

Muslim communities at the University reflect a wide range of ethnicities, cultures, languages, nationalities, and levels of religious observance. Our approach recognises and respects this diversity.

This page provides:

• an overview of Islamophobia
• the University’s approach and policies
• support and reporting routes
• information about networks and resources

Islamophobia is recognised in the UK as a form of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness, as described by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims Definition.

The University of Edinburgh adopts this definition in line with its use across UK public bodies, supported by guidance from organisations including the Coalition Against Islamophobia.

How Islamophobia may be experienced:

Islamophobia can take different forms, including:

• harassment or verbal abuse
• stereotyping and prejudice
• exclusion or unequal treatment
• microaggressions
• physical threats or violence

It can affect individuals across different backgrounds and may intersect with other forms of discrimination, including racism, sexism, disability discrimination and homophobia.

Islamophobia can also be structural or institutional, shaping policies, practices and cultures in ways that limit full participation in University life.

The University has adopted the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on British Muslims Definition of Islamophobia, which is widely used across UK institutions and public bodies. This supports a consistent and informed approach to recognising and addressing Islamophobia as a form of racism.

The application of this definition is grounded in the University’s existing legal and policy framework, including the Equality Act 2010 and the Dignity and Respect Policy. In doing so, the University continues to uphold its responsibilities in relation to academic freedom and freedom of expression, ensuring that lawful discussion, debate and critique remain protected.

The University is committed to promoting a learning and working environment in which all members of our community are treated with dignity and respect. Islamophobia — whether expressed through discrimination, harassment, exclusion, or hostile behaviour — is unacceptable and addressed within the University’s wider framework for preventing and responding to discriminatory conduct.

Our Policies and Standards

Our institutional approach is grounded in the Dignity and Respect Policy, supported by a range of other policies that outline expected standards of behaviour and mechanisms for raising concerns. 

Support Routes for Staff and Students

Staff and students who experience or witness Islamophobia can seek support and report concerns through the following routes:

• Report + Support - Report + Support - The University of Edinburgh
• EDI-related Policies | Equality, Diversity & Inclusion | Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Discipline, Grievance, Capability | Human Resources | Human Resources
• Respect at Edinburgh | Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
• Academic freedom & freedom of expression | Academic freedom
• Code of Student Conduct | Academic Quality and Standards | Student Administration

The University takes all reports of discrimination and harassment seriously and aims to balance its legal duties relating to equality, academic freedom and freedom of expression.

The University supports learning and development opportunities to build understanding of Islamophobia and Muslim identities, cultures and experiences.

Training and resources are available through:

• centrally organised sessions
• School or service‑level activity
• external partners and national initiatives, including Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM)

Details of available training, sessions and materials are available via the Anti‑Racist Hub and related internal platforms.

Colleagues are encouraged to engage with these opportunities to develop understanding, support inclusive practice, and contribute to a respectful working and learning environment.

In addition to formal reporting routes and staff networks, Muslims at the University may find the following University‑linked resources helpful:

• Muslim Staff Network – a supportive space for Muslim staff and allies, and contributes to the University’s wider work on equality, dignity and respect.
• Faith and Belief Equality – guidance and support relating to religion and belief.
• Edinburgh University Students' Association – support and guidance for students reporting Islamophobic incidents. 
• Intercultural & Anti-Discrimination Hub – report Islamophobic incidents. 
• Multi-Faith and Belief Chaplaincy, For All Faiths and None – multi‑faith support, prayer space information and pastoral care.
• Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World – research, events and outreach promoting understanding of contemporary Islam.
• Edinburgh Race Equality Network (EREN) – community and advocacy space for racial equality work, including Islamophobia.

External support organisations may also be helpful for learning and awareness‑raising, including:

• Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC) – free, confidential advice and support for individuals experiencing discrimination or hate crime.
• Amina – The Muslim Women's Resource Centre – Scotland‑wide support, advocacy and helpline services for Muslim and minority ethnic women.
• Tell MAMA – UK‑wide reporting and support service for anti‑Muslim hate incidents.

Ongoing Commitment

The University recognises that tackling Islamophobia requires sustained effort, listening to lived experience, and meaningful engagement with (our) Muslim communities. We are committed to working with our students, our staff, our community partners and external organisations to ensure Muslims feel safe, supported and able to thrive at the University of Edinburgh.