In 2023, CAIR witnessed the highest number of biased-based complaints in its 30-year history, reflecting an alarming increase in challenges faced by Muslim Americans across various sectors, including higher education. The surge in Islamophobic incidents, linked to the October 7, 2023, attacks and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, has severely impacted Muslim college students. Rather than feeling safe and supported, many have faced suppression of their free speech and have been penalized for opposing Israel’s actions and advocating for Palestinian rights. Unfortunately, this issue is not new, and many universities, administrators, and law enforcement have failed to offer the necessary support, leaving students feeling targeted and isolated.
This is CAIR-CA’s second campus climate report, which evaluates the experiences of Muslim college and university students across both public and private institutions in California during the 2023-2024 academic year. This report aims to shed light on the lived experiences of Muslim students and the unique challenges they encounter, often due to their actual or perceived Muslim identities. Additionally, the report provides insight into how the October 7, 2023, attacks and the ongoing genocide in Gaza affected these students’ experiences.
A total of 720 students from 87 colleges and universities across California participated in our survey, which explores several key issues: harassment and discrimination faced by students, perceptions of school administration and law enforcement, overall students’ experiences, and the harmful impact of harassment. This report also highlights universities with the highest response rates, offering an in-depth look into the campus environments at California State University, Fullerton; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Irvine; University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, Riverside; and University of California, San Diego.
Key Findings
- 49% of students experienced harassment or discrimination due to their Muslim identity.
- 37% felt targeted by professors; 53% by peers.
- 92% reported incidents occurring after October 7, 2023.
- 65% of schools failed to address significant issues impacting Muslim students.
- 53% felt excluded by institutional statements on Palestine or Israel.
- 47% were uncomfortable reporting discrimination to school administration.
- 47% felt unsafe or neutral about their safety on campus.
Contributions
The report features articles by MSA West and Dr. Shafiqa Ahmadi:
- MSA West highlights challenges faced by students advocating for Palestine and urges colleges to prioritize safety and equity.
- Dr. Ahmadi emphasizes the legal obligation of federally funded institutions to protect students’ rights and foster free expression.
Recommendations
The report provides actionable steps for college administrators to combat harassment, promote inclusivity, and ensure a safe environment for all students. It also includes a section for students, informing them of their rights and empowering them to respond to mistreatment.
