Addressing Islamophobia
We all have the right to work and learn in an environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, hate speech, and hate crimes. With the nationwide rise in reports of incidents and threats to Muslim communities, UC Davis seeks to take action on Islamophobia, in part by providing the following resources for those in the affected communities and for others looking to understand and address Islamophobia.
What is UC Davis doing to address hate and harassment?
UC Davis seeks to address the rise in discrimination, hate, and harassment against Muslim students, staff, faculty, clinicians, patients, and community members through a variety of efforts, including educational programming and outreach out of several of our offices.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programming and resources
- Student Affairs programming and resources
- Strategic Communications content
Defining Islamophobia
The United Nations defines Islamophobia as “A fear, prejudice and hatred of Muslims that leads to provocation, hostility and intolerance by means of threatening, harassment, abuse, incitement and intimidation of Muslims and non-Muslims, both in the online and offline world. Motivated by institutional, ideological, political and religious hostility that transcends into structural and cultural racism, it targets the symbols and markers of being a Muslim."
"This definition emphasizes the link between institutional levels of Islamophobia and manifestations of such attitudes, triggered by the visibility of the victim’s perceived Muslim identity. This approach also interprets Islamophobia as a form of racism, whereby Islamic religion, tradition and culture are seen as a ‘threat’ to the Western values.
"Islamophobia may also affect non-Muslims, based on perceptions of nationality, racial or ethnic background.”
Read another definition of Islamophobia from the #IslamophobiaIsRacism Syllabus
Community Resources
- Cross Cultural Center
- Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian (MENASA) Student Resources
- Registered Student Organizations
- Ahlul-Bayt Student Association
- The Beautiful Mind Project at UC Davis
- Muslim Student Association at UC Davis
- Reflection Rooms
UC Davis Stands Up
- Checking In With Chancellor May: Standing on Our Principles | November 2023
- Chancellor May Joins President Drake and UC Chancellors in Condemning Bigotry | November 2023
- UC Davis Campus Leadership Reaffirms the Principles of Community | November 2023
- Checking in with Chancellor May: Standing With You | October 2023
- Checking in with Chancellor May: Freedom of Expression | September 2023
- Chancell-ing: Hate is the Virus We’re Fighting Now | February 2023
- Standing Together Against Hate by Chancellor May | September 7, 2022
Regional Community Resources
- Islamic Center of Davis
- Muslim American Society
- Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR)>
Additional Resources
- Reflection and prayer rooms on campus
- Ramadan food accommodations on campus
- List of self education resources compiled by UC Davis Health
- United Nations guide to combating Islamophobia for educators
Resources for Ramadan
Ramadan is a time of spiritual growth, reflection, and connection with family and community when Muslims worldwide fast from food and water from dawn to sunset. UC Davis and UC Davis Health include a vibrant community of Muslim students, staff, faculty, patients and community members. Also, Sacramento is home to the largest Afghan community in the country, most of whom are Muslim. We hope the following resources will be helpful to both those fasting for Ramadan and those wishing to provide support and learn more.
— Hendry Ton, Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and of the fast. Eid al-Fitr is one of the most anticipated and joyous Islamic holidays, and is traditionally celebrated for three days.
- What is Ramadan?
- Ramadan Resource Guide developed by Professor Mairaj Syed in the UC Davis Religious Studies department with corresponding podcast (see Episode 3).
Photo at top of page: Public art piece near lake spafford by UC Davis Design MFA student Niloufar Abdolmaleki. Abdolmaleki hung Dakhil ribbons an Islamic tradition from a large tree, with the intention of allowing people to write their hopes and wishes on the ribbons. Photo by Karin Higgins/UC Davis. Learn more about the Guardians exhibit.