What is Islamophobia Awareness Month?

Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) is a campaign dedicated to raising awareness of Islamophobia and showcasing the positive contributions of Muslims in society. Originally founded in 2012 by a network of British Muslim organisations, IAM was launched at the London Muslim Centre and has since grown into a globally recognised movement marked by universities, schools, NHS trusts, and workplaces every November.

Islamophobia is the unfounded fear, prejudice, or hatred towards Muslims or perceived Muslimness, and has a massive impact on individuals and communities. In the UK, 7 in 10 Muslims report experiencing Islamophobia in the workplace, and over 70% of young Muslims report experiencing mental health struggles as a result of discrimination.

This year’s theme, ‘Don’t Let It Slide’, shifts the focus to everyday accountability. Islamophobia isn't just defined by direct harm, it is also allowed to grow when others stay silent or look the other way.

'Don’t Let It Slide' is a call to courage, action, and shared responsibility, encouraging each of us to call out prejudice, dismantle stereotypes, and prevent discriminatory behaviour from becoming normalised. [Islamophobia Awareness Month]

Why is this Campaign important?

This campaign is part of the Student Equality Network’s Awareness Campaigns Calendar and is student-led, shaped by student feedback, experiences and responses. We hope to: 

• Educate our Surrey community through training, resources and shared experiences

• Provide a counter-narrative that dismantles harmful misrepresentations of Muslims

• Give students and staff with the tools to speak up and contribute to meaningful change

Islamophobia Awareness month is a significant month as it was born out of the desperate need to counter hatred towards a group of people based on their faith. It is important for us to observe these awareness campaigns to a point where the need for such campaigns comes to an end. We must all work together to ensure that no group of humans is subjected to hatred, marginalisation, discrimination, and violence based on their beliefs and how they want to live.

Waleed, VP Voice 2026-27

Clubs & Societies

Surrey have over 170 Clubs & Societies including faith and spirituality based groups. This include Islamic Society who "organise and host events for Muslims to get together, have fun and, most importantly, benefit and increase our faith". Find a full list of our Clubs & Societies here.

The Religious Life and Belief Centre

The Religious Life and Belief Centre provides a welcoming and inclusive space for all spiritual, faith and belief communities across campus. The team consists of 26 members, including 16 Chaplains (faith and belief workers) representing eight faiths and the humanist tradition.

The Chaplains offer a confidential, supportive space to discuss personal challenges, bereavement, identity, and matters relating to faith and belief. Some also have specialist expertise in couples counselling, domestic abuse, and intersectional issues, including experiences of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and homophobia. You can find more information about the support available here. 

How to report issues

REPORT & SUPPORT: All staff, students and visitors to the University can make a report using our Report + Support tool, either with contact details or anonymously. Find out more here. 

THE UNION: The Union is proud to offer free, independent and confidential advice. Because we are a separate organisation to the University, we're always there to stand in your corner when you need it most. Find out more here.

Network Overview

The Student Equality Network is a group run by students, for students, and supported by the Union. Its purpose is to help to ensure that the Union and University remain informed about the experiences of different groups that make up our community. It is made up of our main Network, Disability & Neurodiversity network, Race Equality Network and International Students Network. You can find out more here. 

Other Resources

Home - The Islamophobia Response Unit

Islamophobia in Education – Don’t Let It Slide – Islamophobia Awareness Month

Islamophobia in Higher Education Resource Sheet 

Islamophobia in Media Resource Sheet 

Measuring Anti Muslim Attacks Reporting Site 

Whether you're taking part in an existing campaign or helping to create a new one, we encourage you to get involved and play an active role in representing and  celebrating our student community.

Interested in supporting with these campaigns? Got an idea? Why not get involved! Reach out to the team and you can benefit from increased promotion across Union and University communications, as well as access to support, advice and guidance from the Network and Union staff. There are also opportunities to apply for additional funding to help bring your events and ideas to life. Click here to find out more.