November marks Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM), a time to raise awareness of the discrimination and hostility experienced by Muslim communities and, importantly, to consider how we can all help challenge it.
Islamophobia can take many forms in everyday life, from jokes and comments about someone’s faith to discrimination against women wearing hijabs, abuse in public spaces and attacks on mosques. While some incidents may be dismissed as harmless or insignificant, they contribute to a wider culture in which prejudice becomes normalised.
The latest figures highlight the scale of the issue. Home Office statistics published in October 2026 show that anti-Muslim hate crimes account for 46% of all religiously motivated hate crimes, with incidents increasing by 15% in the past year. Meanwhile, research by the British Muslim Trust found that, on average, one mosque is attacked every five days.
This year’s Islamophobia Awareness Month theme is Don’t Let It Slide. It is a reminder that challenging Islamophobia is everyone's responsibility. Whether in the classroom, the workplace, our communities or everyday interactions, we should not overlook discriminatory comments, behaviours or assumptions. Small actions, such as speaking up, challenging stereotypes, listening to others and showing solidarity, can make a meaningful difference.
How can you get involved?
- Find out more about Islamophobia Awareness Month and this year's Don't Let It Slide campaign.
- Take part in conversations that help increase understanding of Islamophobia.
- Challenge stereotypes and discriminatory language when you encounter them.
- Show solidarity with Muslim colleagues and communities.
- Explore opportunities for Islamophobia awareness training and learning.
Don't let prejudice go unchallenged. Don't let it slide.
Aziz Foundation Scholarships
The Aziz Foundation continues to partner with the University of Sussex and awarded five full tuition fee Masters scholarships for exceptional British Muslim students for the 2026 to 2027 academic year. These scholarships support students who do not have the financial means to undertake postgraduate study and aim to empower British Muslims to create positive change in their communities and beyond. More information is available on the Aziz Foundation website.
Training
The University has introduced an e-learning module on Recognising and Responding to Islamophobia which has been added to our EDI training provision on LearnUpon.
This module provides a clear, accessible introduction to Islamophobia, or anti-Muslim hatred. It explores how it is defined, how it operates in everyday life, and the real-world impact on Muslim communities.
Support
Support for Muslim staff and students is available through the University Chaplaincy. The University is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for every member of the community. If you have experienced or witnessed bullying, harassment, discrimination or hate, you can use the University’s Report and Support tool. Expectations for behaviour and community conduct are set out in the University’s Dignity and Respect Policy. Both the policy and information on report and support can be found here: Dignity, Respect and Inclusion : University of Sussex.
Further support
The Brighton & Hove Muslim Forum provides community support across the city. The Muslim Youth Helpline offers confidential, faith and culturally sensitive support for young Muslims in the UK.