In November 2023, while holding a charity stall in the library as part of Islamophobia Awareness Month, many members of the Islamic Society were victims of open Islamophobia. Since then they have been raising the issue of islamophobia on campus with both the SU and the University.
In August 2024, the University and SU condemned the attacks taking place against Muslims, places of worship, international students, and those who have experienced forced migration.
These incidents highlighted the urgency of efforts by a working group that included both SU, student and university representation. This had, in turn, been created following a workshop the Islamic Society created on islamophobia, held earlier in the summer.
The working group co-produced the following definition, that has now been adopted by the University of Salford’s University Leadership Team (ULT).
"“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.”
Examples of Islamophobia include harassment, discrimination, spoken or physical acts (including violence), and structural barriers. It involves exclusion, prejudice, and restrictions that inhibit the recognition, interest, or exercise of basic rights in various areas of public life. This definition will be supported with guidance and case studies to help students and staff better understand it.