## The Definition "Islamophobia is a form of discrimination, intolerance, hostility, irrational fear, and/or hatred directed towards Muslims and those perceived as Muslim, as well as their belongings and places of worship. It is also known as anti-Muslim hatred." – The University of Salford's Working Definition of Islamophobia ## Key Characteristics This definition: - Recognises Islamophobia as a serious form of **discrimination** - Encompasses both overt hostility and subtle forms of prejudice - Includes discrimination against those **perceived as Muslim** (recognising racialisation) - Extends to Muslim **belongings and places of worship** - Acknowledges the alternative term "anti-Muslim hatred" ## Development Process The definition was created by the [[Defining Islamophobia Working Group]] through collaborative process. For full background on development see: [[Background to University of Salford Islamophobia Definition]] **Process characteristics:** - Open call for participation via Race Equity Group and EdRace network - Iterative process of consultation and reflection - Collaboration between staff and students - Drawing on diverse expertise, experiences, and perspectives - Capturing comprehensive understanding of how Islamophobia manifests in HE ## Living Document Approach The definition is intended as a **living understanding** that will be: - Reviewed annually (or more frequently where necessary) - Updated to reflect evolving socio-political context - Adjusted for changes in Freedom of Speech legislation - Responsive to changing needs of the university's Muslim community ## Relationship to National Definitions ### APPG Definition The [[APPG definition of islamophobia]] states: "Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness." While the University of Salford's definition differs in wording, both: - Recognise the racialised nature of Islamophobia - Include those perceived as Muslim - Acknowledge structural and systemic dimensions - Provide framework for identifying and addressing discrimination ### Why the University Needed Its Own Definition The UK government has not adopted a national definition, despite the APPG proposal in 2018. In February 2025, a government Working Group on Anti-Muslim Hatred/Islamophobia was established, but may not produce a definition. The University of Salford chose to establish its own definition to: - Demonstrate proactive commitment to equality and inclusion - Provide shared language for identifying and responding to Islamophobia - Ensure incidents are recognised consistently - Make support and redress accessible - Ground policies in lived realities - Signal that Islamophobia breaches core university values ## Terminology: Islamophobia vs Anti-Muslim Hatred The guidance prioritises the term **"Islamophobia"** over "anti-Muslim hatred" because: ### Anti-Muslim Hatred - Often used in policy contexts - Refers to individual acts of hostility or hate crimes - Focuses on interpersonal hatred - Can be limiting as it frames issues narrowly - Tends to overlook structural and systemic dimensions ### Islamophobia - Captures both acts of hatred AND institutional/structural processes - Recognises marginalisation, stereotyping, and treatment with suspicion - Acknowledges discrimination embedded in policies, media narratives, organisational practices - More accurately reflects breadth, complexity, and structural nature - Situates issues within wider struggle against racism and inequality ## Application The definition provides framework for: - Identifying Islamophobia in interpersonal interactions - Recognising institutional and structural manifestations - Informing curriculum and teaching practices - Guiding policy development and decision-making - Supporting reporting and response mechanisms - Embedding anti-Islamophobia work in EDI framework ## Related Notes - [[Islamophobia]] - [[Background to University of Salford Islamophobia Definition]] - [[APPG definition of islamophobia]] - [[Defining Islamophobia Working Group]] - [[126.02 Finalise Islamophobia definition]] - [[Islamophobia Implementation Guidance Pack]]