Understanding the Experiences of Muslim Students in Universities: Exploring Discrimination and Seeking Solutions

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This survey is to gather data for my Senior Project. My project topic is about examining the consequences of Hollywood's use of Muslim stereotypes and its impact on you and other Muslims.

To better understand your experiences as a Muslim student in the University of Washington, this survey will be developed to gather first-hand information. The survey will focus on your experiences as a student, including whether you have faced discrimination or hate due to your religion. Additionally, the survey will seek your thoughts on potential solutions that universities can implement to improve your experience. After collecting the survey data, a thorough analysis will be conducted to identify key themes and patterns, helping to gain insights into your experiences and identify potential solutions to combat negative stereotypes. 

If you answered yes to the previous question, please briefly describe the incident(s).

6 responses

  • N/A

  • Nothing more than little things, easily ignorable

  • I haven’t experienced any blatant discrimination from people outside the Muslim community at UW Alhamdulillah—some are often quite interesting in my religion and it’s practices. I have though, surprisingly, experienced soft/subtle discrimination from within the Muslim community, as a minority Shia Muslim. Even though the vast majority are very nice and accepting I’m sure, a few bad experiences is all it takes sadly.

  • Name calling mainly

  • Micro aggressions from advisors regarding my lack of attention to class because I was considering taking part of religious obligations and/or holidays. -day to day judgement of my hijab and being generally underestimated because of my religious attachment and daily obligations.

  • Just comments about how Islam is a religion thats not peaceful and comments about how many terrorists are Muslim

If you answered yes to the previous question, please briefly describe the incident(s).

5 responses

  • N/A

  • I feel like I have, but don’t have the means to prove it

  • Not towards me specifically, but I have seen some what could be described as anti-Islam bias in what is taught in some of the curriculum of some classes, such as in a political science course I took a while back. Though I don’t think it was the fault of the professor themselves, but how the curriculum itself. It’s an interesting topic that should probably be discussed.

  • - was told to chose and cut back between my religious duties and school/classwork

  • Professors often bring up certain liberal values in class as if they are universal, making Muslim students feel out of place and not heard.

If you answered yes to the previous question, please briefly describe the situation(s).

9 responses

  • N/A

  • Not from the general UW community. But sometimes I feel a bit left out or isolated from the Muslim community here at the UW, again, due to having experienced some discrimination by a few people by being a minority Shia Muslim. Again, even though I’m sure the majority are great, all it takes is a couple bad experiences to lessen a person’s trust in the community.

  • Muslim ideologies are not often considered as they seem to radical

  • A lot of people who do a lot of sinning around me

  • Sometimes I’m the only Muslim.

  • because of my major I was isolated because there weren’t any opportunities that were visible or advertised for the muslim community and thought I was alone

  • General unawareness of certain things like scheduling a lot of things during Jummah, events during ramadan at times I can’t make, department outings or social hours always being at bars or places that have alcohol.

  • It wasn’t too serious but sometimes at work some coworkers would be really shocked to hear I’m fasting and they constantly say it’s too hard. They also try to relate their own struggles to how I’m fasting even tho it’s very different. They don’t understand the religious seriousness of the topic and their ignorance makes me feel excluded sometimes.

  • Liberal values are so deeply entrenched in UW's culture that you are viewed as an "other" for having differing values. This is easily seen on many of UW's social media platforms.

What steps do you think the university can take to enhance the experience of Muslim students on campus?

21 responses

  • By introducing zabiha halal on campus

  • More halal foods and awareness of muslim needs (prayer times )

  • Speak with the MSA to see what can be done

  • The university should have more wudu friendly bathrooms and Eid should be a formally recognized holiday, not something we need to take time off for. Also BDSing Israel would be a big boon to the Muslim population on campus as the issue of Palestine is tied to many of our hearts. Also the removal of all gender bathrooms would be great for Muslims. No practicing Muslim wants to be partially undressed in the stall next to someone of the opposite sex.

  • Not much, really. I think it’s doing a good job already.

  • Make more clear religous accommodations (during first day of class, professors discusss disability accommodations but rarely discuss religous accommodations)

  • Prayer rooms, not having massive festivals during Ramadan, but also sending out a mass email saying Ramadan is coming and here’s what to expect etc

  • To be honest, I think the university is doing a good job in offering prayer spaces and halal food, etc.

  • Have better and more prayer spaces on campus.

  • Honestly, as far as I saw now comparing UW to other institutions, UW is doing good. But, I hope any Muslim can feel safe and comfortable wearing thowb, or hijab, or niqab.

  • Stop being hypocritical to they types of ideologies are heard and which are censored

  • No school on Muslim ramadan

  • Have no school during Muslim religion holidays ( eid , Ramadan)

  • Have no school during Muslim Holidays

  • They can introduce more awareness and training for professors.

  • Inclusion and showing that they are about them by highlighting them.

  • Advertise the already present spaces available for Muslim students and give more spotlight to them. Educate and broadcast notifications regarding all religious holidays (for all religions not just Islam)

  • Not really sure they care enough about the Muslim students’ experience, if they did they would have made changes already.

  • More resources for praying. More halal food options. More seminars and discussions about Islam at the UW and opportunities for non-Muslims to learn about Islam. There should also be stricter hate speech policies because I heard some sisters were verbally assaulted earlier this year.

  • Professors should not bring political views into the classroom. Civil discussion between opposing views should be normalized and encouraged as campus events.

  • Dawah posters around campus so that non-muslims have an easier time understanding who Muslim students are on campus

What steps do you think your non-Muslim friends can take to enhance your experience on campus?

21 responses

  • Being Respectful and tolerant towards muslims and standing up for me when I face any kind of discrimination.

  • Ready to listen

  • Be ok with students(me) leaving at certain times to pray while we are hanging out

  • Become Mu- I don't have many but the ones that I do have are very accommodating to my beliefs and they would never mistreat me over my faith. There isn't much more I would ask of my non Muslim friends.

  • Not much, really. They’re all great at being kind and accepting perspectives apart from their own, and willing to even learn a bit about what my religion entails. Or maybe I just have good non-Muslim friends.

  • Be aware of what is important to Muslims

  • My friends stand watch if I need to pray during class

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions about Islam. Sometimes people feel uncomfortable to ask questions because it might make me defensive or uncomfortable, but I welcome questions or clarifications.

  • Educating themselves rather than bombarding the only muslim they know with unwanted questions regarding Islam.

  • Not making things awkward in conversations and when you pray and wear thowb or hijab, not making a big deal or making it normal.

  • Be willing to listen rather than just gear

  • Understand that we’re fasting during ramadan and be considerate

  • Be mindful of certain beliefs and practice.

  • Support us as much as possible

  • Understand the religion.

  • Just recognizing us as muslims

  • Participate in and understand the Muslim community better and have a basic understanding of what being a Muslim is like.

  • Just wanting to get a better understanding of what it means to be Muslim or what Islam is. Whether through asking me questions or doing their own research I don’t care

  • Learn more about the core tenets of Islam. See Islam for what it really is rather than what the media portrays. Understand and respect our prayer times, importance of Ramadan, food choices, etc.

  • Learn about the basics of Islam to counter the false narrative thrown by the media and entertainment industry.

  • Understanding Islam a little more

What resources or services would you like to see offered by the university to support Muslim students?

21 responses

  • Zabiha Halal Food and Washrooms to make Wudu.

  • More halal foods

  • Listen and consider what Muslim students ask for ex: religious accommodation, prayer spaces, etc

  • Better religious accommodations for the entirety of Ramadan (we can only take 15 days on the religious accommodation form I believe) and having Eid be a university holiday.

  • Again, I think what the UW already has is great, so I’m not sure.

  • Better prayer room location, more wudhu stations

  • Accessible prayer rooms throughout campus, more halal certified food options

  • I think having Muslim mental health professionals is sooooo important. No one understands our choices based on our faith and cultural backgrounds like we do. I would appreciate it if the counseling center had a Muslim (preferably female) therapist or counselor.

  • exemptions to leave class a few minutes to pray. More prayer spaces. Bathrooms for Wudu.

  • I think resources provided by MSA and IH are amazing.

  • Prayer space, ablution spaces, and more openness to our holidays

  • More prayer areas

  • More prayer areas , more Islamic related classes

  • More salah areas

  • Halal food, places to pray, wudhu stations.

  • More places to pray.

  • An easier way to acclimate Ramadan duties and difficulties to our education and academic life.

  • Somewhere on campus to pray when walking to the IH in between classes isn’t convenient

  • More prayer rooms as well as make them larger and a better design. Way more halal options for on campus food should be offered. More resources (seminars, emails, etc.) about real Islam vs what the media portrays and how non-Muslims can respect Muslims.

  • More areas to make wudu/pray on campus.

  • Not sure

In your opinion, what can non-Muslim students and staff do to make the university more welcoming and inclusive for Muslim students?

21 responses

  • Offering Time during classes to pray

  • more awareness on islam as a lifestyle rather than just a religious concept

  • They should work to call out Islamophobia wherever they see it, and also stop with forced pronouns stuff.

  • Just keep doing what you’re doing, and if you see anyone being non-inclusive to Muslim students, call them out on it. But also maybe reevaluate the curriculum of some courses and programs to ensure that there isn’t any anti-Muslim bias.

  • Not sure

  • Be more aware, educated

  • Accept the differences that we have and not enforce their beliefs on us.

  • Come to muslim student hosted events.

  • Well, as Muslims it is a duty to tell them what we need to do like praying and for them to give you time and space during those practices.

  • Understand Muslim customs

  • Allow time for students to go pray without penalty

  • Try to learn more about the religion.

  • More accommodations during ramadan

  • Learn more about islam.

  • Accomdate our religious needs.

  • Just being informed about Islam and not being ignorant of simple knowledge like wearing the hijab or fasting for ramadan.

  • Advocate and uplift Muslim students voices

  • Keep an open mind, do their jobs to learn what Islam really is. Respect our daily Islamic responsibilities. Be more accommodating of religious holidays and etc.

  • Learn about Islamic values and foster a culture such that these values are not ostracized and opposing values are not pushed on us.

  • Understanding the barriers Muslim students have during Ramadan

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience as a Muslim student on campus?

21 responses

  • No

  • No, being an non immigrant to this land, I do feel safe around the campus.

  • My experience in regards to not facing discrimination is not really the normal experience, as I have very few non Muslim friends here other than some of my high school friends that I grew up who are here with me. As I have so few non Muslim friends I don't interact with non Muslims much, so I don't have to deal with discrimination really, but I do not feel that my experience is that common sadly.

  • Eh…

  • So far so good

  • My experience in the university as a Muslim overall was great. I feel like I have grown as a Muslim a lot in the past 4 years that I have been at the university. I still have a lot to work through, though. For context, I am black of East African descent (Ethiopian & Eritrean), and I did feel disconnected from my East African community at the university. It could be because I am Muslim and a hijabi; but it could also be because I am a diaspora kid, since I never really grew up around my culture anyway. It has been hard making friends with Muslims and also non-Muslims at the school. I like to blame Seattle freeze for that, but I just feel out of place sometimes with everyone seemingly having friends already. I feel weird and overwhelmed by the idea of just interjecting a friend group and having to get to know every one of them. Other than these few “negative” experiences, I feel like my experience as a Muslim student was good. I don’t remember being discriminated against on campus. I felt for the most part comfortable in all of my classes. So, yeah!

  • Overall I'm lucky to have never experienced hate due to being muslim on campus but have been subject to ignorant questions often.

  • I enjoy the experiences with MSA and IH

  • N/a

  • This university is doing alright but can do better

  • N/A

  • Welcoming community and teachers are understanding.

  • I feel a lot more accepted on campus because there are more muslims

  • It is an overall welcoming campus but there is a lot of ignorance that isn’t being educated on my religions not just islam

  • No

  • I love the MSA and everything they offer. I do hope there can be more representation for Muslims in more departments around the school. I see a lot for departments such as CSE but not as much for older departments like engineering. But the progress is amazing!

  • Overall, there aren't many direct discrimination issues I have faced on campus, but they are more indirect and concern the normalization of certain beliefs over others.

  • Having multiple prayer rooms around campus is nice

To what extent do you feel negative Muslim stereotypes in Hollywood movies contribute to harmful attitudes and beliefs towards Muslims and towards how you are perceived? Explain

17 responses

  • Good question. I don’t remember a movie I saw recently that had anti-Muslim sentiment or negative stereotypes, but that may just be me not seeking out these types of movies or anything that might have this sort of stuff. Though I do know it definitely exists.

  • Negatively

  • Since I do not wear a hijab, I don’t feel my identity is obvious to others. Still I pray in class quite a lot due to my long classes. I think many people don’t understand what to religion is but also I’ve noticed due to TikTok my cohort is more familiar with contemporary Muslims

  • I think with the recent representation of Muslims, people would think that we are “Muslim in name only”. A lot of the representation I have been encountering shows Muslims wanting to assimilate to American culture so bad that they would do obviously haram things like drinking or premarital relations. This might put some Muslims in an uncomfortable situation where they have to explain why they don’t engage in that stuff. Subsequently, Muslims would be perceived as boring or strict, which would reflect back to the religion itself. I am glad that largely the “Muslim terrorist” trope is almost nonexistent now, but this new wave of Muslim representation is not better.

  • As a woman I feel movies have misrepresented my relationships with the modesty which then leads to people perceiving my hijab as oppressive. Hollywood doesn't push the choice aspect to wearing the hijab or dressing a certain way as much as women who are forced to. I also feel to be portrayed as violent and extreme because there isn't a distinction between true muslims and extremists in films.

  • They definitely do. However, I haven't had personal experiences.

  • Muslims are often portrayed as villains and as less than and they are in need of taming from Western powers

  • We are terrorists and oppress women

  • I feel like they only see the parts that don’t portray Islam in a positive light ( terriorsm etc)

  • Terroism only when seeing Muslim people which puts a negative connotation to our religion and sometimes when they hear I am Muslim they sometimes think badly right away.

  • Very much, people see stuff in movies and think Muslims are that way.

  • They always portray us as terrorists or as taxi drivers but I feel like that is changing, but there isn't true muslim representation in Hollywood yet.

  • An extreme extent of the media and Hollywood movies have contributed to a fundamental lack of understanding and prejudice towards Muslim and has cultivating hate towards Muslims.

  • Edward Said’s book Orientalism does a much better job than I can explain but I think they definitely play a role especially in the post 9/11 depictions of Muslims

  • I think it has a huge impact. We are either portrayed as barbaric uncivilized terrorists who need “democracy” to save us back home or indoctrinated cult followers who need to be liberalized in the west. I think this also applies to Bollywood which has a big impact on people’s perceptions. Again, ppl dont want to learn about what Islam really is and instead they follow misconstrued portrayals in movies. I wish they saw us as more than the extremists of our religion, because we don’t do that to their religions.

  • On UW campus, I don't see these negative stereotypes surface that much. However, there is Muslim representation in movies that portray unislamic behavior by Muslims, which gives a false impression of Muslim beliefs and values. This sometimes makes non Muslim students and professors think Muslims agree to certain things that we do not.

  • There is a lot of emphasis on how Muslims look in Hollywood movies. I think people can tell if someone is a Muslim outwardly by how they are protrayed in movies (ex. A muslim wearing a hijab). However, Hollywood doesn't rlly protray the essence or values of Islam in a way that Muslims practice in real life. Therefore I think there's a discrepancy between looking like a Muslim and the values of a Muslim, and people can make negative assumptions on Islam if they only know what Muslims look like instead of what the religion teaches.