Anti-Muslim Racism and Islamophobia Resources

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Please note the inclusion of these resources does not imply an endorsement by the Office of Anti-Racism, Equity and Human Rights Services (OAREHRS). They are shared strictly for educational purposes. If you come across additional resources that may be useful, feel free to contact the college through our Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 or OAREHRS at diversity@georgebrown.ca.

Learn more about how to challenge and interrupt anti-muslim racism

Anti-Muslim racism refers to acts of prejudice directed toward individuals who are or who are believed to be Muslim and/or who follow the Islamic faith.

Those acts can range from subconscious thoughts, prejudicial thoughts, or microaggressions to physical and verbal violence.

  • The Canadian Islamophobia Industry: Mapping Canada's Ecosystem in the Great White North – Examines the networks, organizations, and individuals that contribute to Islamophobia in Canada. It highlights how these entities influence public perception, policies, and the media to perpetuate anti-Muslim sentiments.
  • Canadian Senate Report on Islamophobia –  Provides an in-depth analysis of the rising issue of Islamophobia in Canada, examining its impacts on Muslim communities. The report offers recommendations for addressing and combating Islamophobia through legislative and community-based efforts, while highlighting the need for inclusive policies and educational programs.
  • Bill 166 – This CBC article discusses Ontario's Bill 166, which requires universities and colleges to implement anti-racism policies. It highlights the mandate for post-secondary institutions to develop and enforce anti-racism frameworks, ensure accountability, and address systemic racism on campus. The bill's goal is to foster inclusive environments and provide better support for students and staff affected by racial discrimination.
  • Islam through Western Eyes by Edward W. Said –  The Nation examines how Western perspectives have historically shaped distorted views of Islam. It discusses how Orientalist attitudes, colonialism, and modern media have contributed to stereotypes and misunderstandings about the Muslim world, often portraying it as backward or violent, which fuels Islamophobia and cultural bias.
  • Subtle and Overt Forms of Islamophobia: Microaggressions Towards Muslim Americans –Explores the different ways Islamophobia manifests in the United States. It highlights both subtle (microaggressions) and overt forms of discrimination against Muslim Americans, discussing the psychological and social impacts these actions have on the Muslim community. The article emphasizes the need for better understanding and addressing these behaviours to combat Islamophobia effectively.
  • National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) Training and Workshops – Programs for Schools, Employers, Government, Service Providers (cost associated). 
    • Islam in the Workplace (NCCM) - A two-hour workshop that explores common issues around the reasonable accommodation of Muslim employees in the workplace. 
    • Inclusive Schools Workshop (NCCM) - A two-hour workshop examining legal and pedagogical foundations for creating inclusive schools. 
  • Canadian Council of Muslim Women Digital Anti-Racism Education Training on Islamophobia - A free online workshop. 
  • Canadian Muslim Counselling – Provides a range of diverse services in support of holistic well-being, including mental health and counselling services in the form of individual therapy, premarital counselling, marital and family therapy, and religious counselling. 
  • Islamophobia Support Line – Provides referral and counselling support for victims of religious, racial and culture-based violence. It is not meant to be a replacement for the Police Service.
  • Muslim Women Support Line – Dedicated to the empowerment, equality and equity of all Muslim women in Canada.
  • Naseeha Mental Health –Empowering the Muslim community with compassionate, culturally sensitive mental health support.
  • Nisa Helpline – a confidential, anonymous & free 16-hr helpline for Muslim women across North America that offers mental health support and peer counselling, seven days a week from 8  a.m. to  midnight ET.