The University of Minnesota is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus climate for all members of our community. Islamophobia has no place at the University. Anti-Muslim discrimination and harassment harm individuals and undermine our values of equity, inclusion, and belonging.

As part of our broader commitment to addressing all forms of hate and bias, the University is taking steps to confront Islamophobia through education, prevention, reporting and response, and support for Muslim students, faculty, and staff.

The University is actively working to raise awareness, respond to incidents swiftly, and create a campus climate where all Muslim community members, regardless of their political orientation, feel safe, supported, and able to thrive. Our work includes clear policies, robust reporting structures, proactive education, and meaningful engagement with Muslim organizations on campus and in the broader community.

Explicit Prohibitions Against Islamophobia

The University's Student Conduct Code and Discrimination Policy explicitly prohibit discrimination based on religion and national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics) —legal protections that include prohibitions on anti-Muslim discrimination and harassment. Please see the Guiding Principles of the Student Conduct Code. 

These policies are enforced through investigations and other responsive actions by campus Equal Opportunity offices. These offices receive training on identifying and responding to anti-Muslim discrimination and harassment under anti-discrimination laws and University policy.

Robust Reporting Mechanisms

Individuals who experience or witness anti-Muslim and/or Islamophobic conduct are encouraged to report through the reporting resources listed below. Supervisors and human resources professionals who learn about anti-Muslim conduct in the course of performing their respective supervisory or human resources employment duties must report this conduct to their campus Equal Opportunity Office.  

• Bias Response and Referral Network (BRRN): The BRRN receives reports of bias incidents on the Twin Cities campus. It responds to all reporters with written information about supportive resources and refers reports to the appropriate office that can effectively respond through investigation, educational coaching, supportive measures, or other response strategies. University-wide incident reporting information can be found here.
• Campus Equal Opportunity offices:  Campus Equal Opportunity offices respond to discrimination reports through informal problem-solving and formal investigation processes.  
• Equal Opportunity & Title IX (EOT): EOT is the university-wide non-discrimination office and the reporting resource for anti-Muslim discrimination and harassment committed by employees or third parties on the Twin Cities campus.
• 24/7 Anonymous Reporting: The UReport system allows individuals to report incidents to the BRRN anonymously, ensuring no barriers to disclosure.

Current Mandatory Islamophobia Education Components

For faculty and staff, the University is developing mandatory discrimination prevention training that covers religious discrimination, including Islamophobia. In addition, Equal Opportunity & Title IX staff and other designated employees participate in specialized professional development on Islamophobia and legal protections under Title VI. A recent session includes “Campuses at the Forefront: Responding to Antisemitism and Islamophobia” (National Association of College and University Attorneys, August 2024).

These trainings are reviewed regularly and updated in response to legal guidance, community feedback, and national best practices. They reflect the University’s commitment to ensuring that students, staff, and faculty understand both the manifestations of Islamophobia and the values of mutual respect and inclusion.

Academic Leadership

The University of Minnesota offers a wide range of academic opportunities related to Islam, Muslim-majority societies, and global religious traditions. Through programs in Religious Studies, Asian & Middle Eastern Studies, and History, students can explore topics such as the Quran, Muslim life in America, Islamic civilizations, and interfaith relations. Courses draw on various disciplines, including literature, anthropology, philosophy, and language, with robust instruction in Modern Standard and colloquial Arabic. Students also have access to immersive learning experiences through the Learning Abroad Center, with programs in Morocco, Senegal, and Jordan, as well as research opportunities through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program and faculty-led initiatives.

Muslim Students Associations (MSAs) across the University of Minnesota system foster belonging and community through faith-based events, interfaith dialogue, and cultural programming:

• Twin Cities Undergraduate: One of the oldest MSAs in the country, offering Halaqas, Quran study, social gatherings, and interfaith events.
• Twin Cities Graduate Muslim Student Association 
• Duluth: Builds community through Islamic art exhibitions, cultural events, and open discussions.
• Morris: Provides a welcoming space for exploring Islamic values and sharing cultural traditions.
• Rochester: Hosts inclusive events and connections. 

Muslim Alumni Network, which is open to all regardless of religious identity, fosters mentorship and networking opportunities for current students and graduates, helping to strengthen community and professional connections across the University of Minnesota system.

Twin Cities Groups

• Al Madinah Cultural Center
• Somali Student Association
• Pakistani Student Association
• Oromia Student Association
• Saudi Student Association
• Indonesian Students
• Eritrean Student Association
• Arab Student Union

Accommodations and Accessibility

• Halal Dining: Halal food options are available during Ramadan to support students observing the fast. These include extending the hours for Halal-friendly items at specific dining halls and providing more opportunities for students to access suitable meals during the evening.
• Meditation & Reflection Spaces: On the Twin Cities Campus, designated meditation spaces can accommodate Muslim students’ daily and Friday prayer needs. ​The information regarding dedicated meditation spaces with wudu (ablution) facilities and extended hours during Ramadan at the University of Minnesota was sourced from the University's official resources. For example, the University offers reflection and meditation rooms in several libraries, including Wilson Library, Walter Library, and the Health Sciences Library. These spaces are equipped with amenities like rugs, pillows, and chairs and are available for use by all students, faculty, and staff.
• Religious Observance Policies: The University provides accommodations for students observing religious holidays, including excused absences and scheduling flexibility, as outlined in University policy. Special accommodations have also been made when major holidays coincide with the start of the academic year or other high-impact dates. Learn more about Religious Observance Accommodations.

Mental Health and Community Support

Palestinian/Arab/Muslim Student Affinity Group: Launched in Spring 2024 in collaboration with Student Counseling Services, this group, which is open to all regardless of identity,  provides a supportive space for Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students. This affinity space was one of the first of its kind on campus. It reflects the University’s commitment to responsive support and intentional community-building for Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim students and serves as a model for future identity-based mental health initiatives. 

Task Forces and Dialogue Groups

• Interfaith Dialogue Working Group: Co-facilitated by Muslim and non-Muslim students to build understanding and foster campus unity.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborations with Muslim advocacy groups and interfaith organizations strengthen support systems and programming.

The University recognizes that combating Islamophobia requires ongoing work, institutional accountability, and genuine partnership with affected communities. We are actively expanding our efforts through:

• Campus Climate Surveys: Assessing Muslim student experiences and informing future policy and training.
• Faculty Training Expansion: Development of a required Islamophobia module for instructors, grounded in legal and cultural competency frameworks.