November is the start of Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM). This year’s theme is #flipthescript, where the emphasis is on challenging the narratives that misrepresent Muslims and reframing conversations based on stereotypes
November is the start of Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) 2025. It works to highlight and raise awareness of Islamophobia and showcase the positive contributions of Muslims in society. IAM want to see a society where Islamophobia isn’t prevalent at all and where education, equality and empowerment are at the forefront of discussion.
This year’s theme is #flipthescript, where the emphasis is on challenging the narratives that misrepresent Muslims and reframing conversations based on stereotypes. Challenging these stereotypes is essential to tackling Islamophobia at its root. We must confront not only the hate we see on our streets, but also the damaging tropes and narratives that make such hate possible.
What is islamophobia?
While there isn’t one set definition for Islamophobia and it varies from community to community in the UK, it is accepted that Islamophobia is rooted in racism and targets expressions of Muslimness.
Islamophobia in Higher Education
In the 2019/20 academic year, there were over 200,000 Muslim students at UK universities – making up 8.7% of the student population. Muslim students have many positive, enjoyable experiences of higher education. However, research indicates that Islamophobia is present at UK universities, and affects large numbers of Muslim students.
In higher education, young Muslims are more likely to drop out early or to gain fewer ‘good degrees’ (1st or 2:1s) than their non-Muslim peers. And for almost a quarter of the Muslim students in a 2023 study, their experience of an Islamophobic hate incident involved verbal abuse, name calling or derogatory slurs. As they explained, expletive-laden variations on ‘terrorist’ or ‘extremist’ were the most common.
Both male and female students spoke about how they felt the need to change their behaviours when in the learning and teaching spaces, due to lecturers or fellow students making disparaging or stereotypical comments about Muslims or the religion of Islam.
Islamophobia in relation to Mental health
A report from Better Community Business Network in 2021 revealed that over 70% of Muslims who have experienced mental health struggles have also experienced Islamophobia. More than two-thirds reported bullying, with nearly half being experienced in education spaces. Research also highlights that 90% of those who participated in the study stated that it was important for mental health support services to be faith- and culturally sensitive.
The All-Party Parliamentary group on British Muslims collected anonymous accounts of islamophobia from four UK cities and stated that “A striking aspect of the anonymous victim testimonies was the impact on the mental health of the victims, which often included feelings of isolation, having nobody to turn to…”
At the Students’ Union, we have a duty to safeguard students by offering support by creating an inclusive environment on campus. By supporting IAM, we’re showing that any hateful behaviour will not be tolerated.
By flipping the switch this month, we can help to change assumptions into awareness and change silence into allyship and effective support, helping to break down walls between Muslims and non-Muslim people and helping to ensure that the right support is there for those struggling with mental health.
IAM wants you to take part in the campaign and become a part of the solution. They want people to share and raise awareness of islamophobia in the UK, however they can. There are many ways you can raise awareness, such as sharing an Instagram post/story, participating in training, starting a conversation or making a donation. All of us can help flip the switch on Islamophobia.
Support
Wellbeing support
Find out how to access support in the Support section of the Student Hub.
Students can also contact the wellbeing team by email- wellbeing@uclan.ac.ukor by phone - 01772 893020.
Student also have access to a 24/7 support service that is run by a team of mental health professionals.
If you need urgent mental health support, please visit our help in an emergency or crisis page.
Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre and Spaces
We have neutral spaces on each campus that offer pastoral and spiritual support to all members of the University.
Preston Campus - The Oasis Faith and Spirituality Centre, Kirkham Street
Burnley Campus - The Oasis Reflection Space, located in Victoria Mill room VM134
Westlakes Campus - The Oasis Reflection Space
If you need support or just someone to speak to, a representative from the Chaplaincy team is available. Find out more on the Faith and Spirituality page of the Student Hub.
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