Proposed by: Jovani Palnoni
Seconded by: Rahma Hegy, Nabihah Ali, Hassam Naeem, Tahmid Khan, Al-Habib Mraish
What do you want?
- QMSU to formally adopt the following definition of Islamophobia (MEND 2018):
“Islamophobia is a prejudice, aversion, hostility, or hatred towards Muslims and encompasses any distinction, exclusion, restriction, discrimination, or preference against Muslims that has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.”
- QMSU Sabbatical Officers to collaborate with Islamic Societies, external Muslim organisations and/or advisors to:
a. Provide Islamophobia awareness training to all its staff.
b. If necessary, refine or expand upon the adopted definition of Islamophobia in the coming months or the next academic year, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of both the organisation and its students.
- QMSU to lobby QMUL to adopt the above Islamophobia definition or work in collaboration with QMSU Sabbatical Officers, QM/BL Islamic Societies and external Muslim organisations/advisors to develop a new one.
Why do you want it?
Islamophobia has been on the rise both nationally and within our university. Over the years, QM/BL Islamic societies have faced Islamophobic comments and harassment. More recently, Muslim students participating in the encampment on the Queen’s Building lawn were subjected to a vile Islamophobic attack, where they were sprayed with urine. Earlier this year, our sabbatical officer team was also targeted in an Islamophobic attack online, and distressingly, reports of Islamophobia through the university’s Report and Support system have been increasing. On a national level, we have witnessed deeply concerning incidents, including the far-right riots in August 2024, where Muslim communities and mosques were violently targeted. Muslim students, staff, and student groups at QMUL have the right to feel safe, respected, and protected from Islamophobia. Establishing a clear definition of Islamophobia is a crucial and necessary step in tackling this issue. It is imperative that we take this step to demonstrate a firm and meaningful commitment to protecting Muslims on our campus.
What impact will this have?
Adopting a clear definition of Islamophobia will enable QMSU to take concrete, meaningful action to tackle discrimination, foster a safer and more inclusive environment, and rebuild trust among Muslim students and the wider student body. It will reinforce our commitment to advocating for all students and strengthen our ability to hold the university accountable in addressing Islamophobia on campus. This step aligns directly with QMSU’s charitable objectives and core values of inclusion, ethics, and student welfare. By taking a firm stance, we are not only safeguarding the wellbeing of our students but also setting a precedent for good practice that other students’ unions can follow.