International Day to Combat Islamophobia

At our University we take a holistic approach that celebrates individuals and their many identities so that we are a truly inclusive organisation. 

We aim to create an inclusive, diverse and accessible environment where it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure all members of our University community are treated with fairness, dignity, respect and have a sense of belonging. 

We therefore invite you to help us mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. This event, now in its third year, is marked annually across the world on 15 March.  

This builds on our activities in previous years to mark Islamophobia Awareness Month. 

What is Islam? 

Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with over 1 billion followers.  

At the University, our Equality Report released in 2022 stated that 5.2% of our staff identified as Muslims - the proportion of staff overall who disclosed their religion rose from 53.2% to 67.2% from 2017 to 2021.  

What is Islamophobia? 

Islamophobia is the fear or hatred of Islam and the harassment, discrimination and hostility directed towards Muslims whether in society, at work or online.  

Prayer facilities 

• Prayer facilities on campus 
• Prayer room, Manchester Museum