This years theme — Don't Let it Slide
Each November, Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM) is held to raise awareness of anti-Muslim prejudice, and to promote understanding, inclusion and respect.
This year’s theme of Don’t Let It Slide reminds us that Islamophobia isn’t only about the discrimination that someone experiences, but also about what others allow to go unchallenged. It encourages all of us to recognise prejudice, speak up, and take action against discrimination.
At NTU, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all faiths and beliefs are valued and respected. Islamophobia Awareness Month is a time to learn and reflect on how we can all promote respect, belonging and inclusion.
Events and Initiatives
Throughout November, a range of exhibitions and displays will be available across NTU, providing opportunities to learn more about Islamophobia Awareness Month and hear the experiences and perspectives of Muslim staff and students.
City Campus – Newton Alumni Area
From 3 to 5 November, the Newton Alumni Area will host Islamophobia Awareness Month's official exhibition. The exhibition is an informative collection of posters that showcase positive Muslim contributions in the UK and highlight the issue of Islamophobia in different areas of society.
Alongside this, there will be an educational digital presentation on Islamophobia and a poster display featuring profiles of NTU Muslim staff and students, sharing their experiences and reflections.
Clifton Campus – Pavilion
From 3 to 5 November, our digital presentation will be showcased in the Pavilion, alongside a digital version of the NTU Muslim staff and student profile display.
City, Clifton, Brackenhurst and Mansfield Libraries and City and Clifton Global Lounges
Throughout November, the digital exhibition, also featuring a selection of staff and student profiles, will be available in library spaces across all campuses, as well as in the City and Clifton Global Lounges.
Tuesday 17 November, 4 pm - 7 pm
- Location: Masjid Al-Khazra, Queensberry St, Old Basford, Nottingham, NG6 0DG
- Audience: Staff and Students
Join us for a visit to a local mosque as part of Islamophobia Awareness Month.
Drop in to enjoy light refreshments, observe live prayers, chat with members of the local community and explore a range of informative displays.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith or background.
Easily accessible via tram to Basford Tram Stop and then 3-4 mins walk to Masjid Al-Khazra on Queensberry Street, NG6 0DG.
Wednesday 18 November, 2 pm - 4 pm
- Location: City Global Lounge
- Audience: Staff and Students
Celebrate the richness of Arabic culture and mark Islamophobia Awareness month with an afternoon of Arabic calligraphy and traditional instruments in the Global Lounge.
Have a go at writing your name in Arabic script and learn about the different calligraphy styles.
If music is more your thing, then come have a go at playing the Arabian Oud or Turkish Baglama string instruments.
Wednesday 11 November, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
- Location: Lecture theatre 8, Newton building
- Audience: Staff, Students and the public
Join us at our Inter Faith Week event, placed within IAM, where we will continue to myth bust around faiths and highlight the positive value and contributions that faith can make towards wider society.
Islamophobia Awareness Month - Curated library collection
Created for Islamophobia Awareness Month, the library has curated a selection of resources examining Islamophobia, Muslim identities and experiences, supporting informed discussion, cultural awareness and respectful engagement.
Featured titles include:
- Confronting Islamophobia in educational practice by Barry Van Driel
Instances of Islamophobia : demonizing the Muslim "other" by Seyyed-Abdolhamid Mirhosseini Islamophobia : lived experiences of online and offline victimisation by Irene Zempi andImran Awan Islamophobia : making Muslims the enemy by Peter Gottschalk and Gabriel Greenberg
Explore the collection (NTU login required).
Exploring Islamophobia and representation
Expert blog: Pick-and-mix spiritualities — Distorting religiously inspired texts and the Islamophobia behind it
PhD candidate Ramisha Rafique and Dr Glenn Williams, both of Nottingham Trent University, explore cultural appropriation and 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet Jalal Al Din Rumi.
Year-round recognition
Celebration and awareness days, weeks and months provide valuable opportunities to learn and reflect. However, our commitment to EDI extends beyond these dedicated dates.
Explore the resources available to support understanding of the themes recognised through our awareness calendar.
Islamophobia Awareness Month resources
The official Islamophobia Awareness Month resources are designed to support both individuals and organisations to make a difference within their community.
Dr Irene Zempi, Associate Professor in Criminology and lead of NTU's Hate Crime Research Group, has published extensively on hate crime, Islamophobia, and related issues.
Staff networks and student societies
Staff networks
If you're a member of NTU staff, you can join one of our staff networks. These provide opportunities to connect with colleagues and help shape a more inclusive university community.
Examples include:
- Networks supporting a range of protected characteristics and communities (link requires NTU staff login).
We are also exploring opportunities to develop a dedicated faith staff network to support colleagues of all faiths and beliefs, and to provide a space for connection and shared learning.
Student societies
If you're an NTU student, you may be interested in joining the Nottingham Trent Students' Union Islamic Society.
The Islamic Society provides opportunities to connect with other Muslim students; celebrate faith and culture; and take part in a range of events and activities throughout the year.
You can find out more about student societies through the Nottingham Trent Students' Union website.
Support available at NTU
Places of worship
Nottingham has many places where you can explore and practice your faith. Whether you're looking for a place to worship, or you want to connect with a faith group, there are lots of welcoming options around the city.
Chaplaincy at NTU
The Chaplaincy team at NTU offers support to students and staff of all faiths, and those with none. Whether you're going through a difficult time or simply want someone to talk to, our chaplains are here to listen and help.
NTU Faith
NTU Faith celebrates and supports the diverse beliefs of our students, staff and community. We provide prayer spaces across campus, work with multi-faith advisors, and help people explore and practice their faith in a safe and inclusive environment.
Equality, diversity and inclusion at NTU
NTU is dedicated to working to strategically advance equality, diversity and inclusion and to support a culture of engagement underpinned by respect.
Islamophobia Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness of anti-Muslim prejudice, celebrate the contributions of Muslim communities, and promote greater understanding and inclusion.
If you have a general question for the EDI team at NTU, please email us.
Get involved on social media
Tag us with the hashtag #IslamophobiaAwarenessMonth to share your involvement on social media.
If you would like to advertise an event, please contact EDI@ntu.ac.uk.