Aziz Foundation and University of Bradford Publish co-funded report on cOUNTERING Islamophobia ON cAMPUS

We are proud to share the publication of our first commissioned report under the Muslim Friendly Universities Programme: "Countering Islamophobia on Campus", led by Dr Yunis Alam and Dr Izram Chaudry at the University of Bradford.

Commissioned with the support of The Aziz Foundation, this important project aims to shine a light on both the enablers and barriers to access and inclusion for British Muslim communities - and to provide practical tools for universities to better devise and drive truly inclusive practices.

Over six months of qualitative research, the study explores the lived experiences of Muslim staff and students, highlighting both everyday realities and opportunities for positive change.

This research adds to a growing evidence base that acknowledges Islamophobia as a reality for many students - operating through microaggressions, gaps in accommodation for religious practices, and institutional responses to geo-political events. Crucially, it reminds us that even ethnically diverse campuses are not automatically immune from Islamophobia.

The findings also highlight:

🔹 Concerns around Muslim and minority staff and students being symbolically positioned for diversity without meaningful change.

🔹 A sense of caution among Muslim academics when raising concerns, impacting wellbeing and career growth.

🔹 The need for stronger, more effective Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies.

🔹 The importance of greater transparency in HR processes and complaint handling.

The authors shared the following thoughts:

"We hope that this report can be interpreted as one in which the identified challenges are not insurmountable, but rather, can be addressed through taking a wider, more expansive and committed approach toward dismantling the machinery and design of Islamophobia that, regrettably, continues to operate across universities."

Dr Zain Sardar, Programme Manager at the Aziz Foundation, also commented:

“This report - from some truly gifted researchers - is exceptionally insightful in shedding light on the manifestations of Islamophobia in the institutional context of campus life. It is courageous in being honest about the extent of the challenge, and clear-sighted in offering practical solutions that can genuinely make a difference in creating a more inclusive campus culture.”

It is important to emphasise that this project is primarily concerned with learning, leading with integrity, and embracing the opportunity to build a better future.

We are grateful to the University of Bradford for its openness and leadership in co-funding this vital work. We encourage all universities and sector leaders to reflect, engage, and take meaningful action - to ensure that equality, diversity, and inclusion become lived realities, not just aspirations.

Please click here to read the full report.