In November 2023, during charity week and Islamophobia Awareness Month, a concerning incident took place on campus between a student and the Islamic Society (ISOC) during a charity stall held in the university library.
What began as a seemingly open conversation quickly escalated into an uncomfortable and discriminatory exchange. This was not an isolated event, several other Islamophobic remarks were reported around the same time.
Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the student union’s immediate focus was on supporting the wellbeing of the students involved.
However, this incident also raised broader questions about how institutions respond to harassment and discrimination and it highlighted the need for clearer, preventative and systemic approaches.
We wanted to make sure that the university was well equipped to recognise, respond to and prevent Islamophobia on campus. To do this we had to start with a shared understanding of what Islamophobia actually is.
Towards a definition
In response, a cross-section of student officers, supported by the students’ union and the university’s equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) team, worked together to push for meaningful change.
Our officer team, alongside students, met with key university stakeholders – including faculty leads, security teams, and senior EDI staff, including senior university leadership – to raise concerns and seek solutions.
These meetings were essential in shifting the institutional response from reactive to proactive. The collaborative approach allowed students, staff, and the union to move the conversation toward long-term cultural change.
A Salford-specific definition
We developed a comprehensive Salford-specific definition of Islamophobia. Initially drafted by students, the definition was then refined through the Islamophobia working group, a collective of Muslim staff, students, and SU officers, over the summer.
Key discussions within the group included whether to use the term “Islamophobia” or “anti-Muslim hatred,” and whether to adopt existing definitions such as that of the All Party Parliamentary Group. Ultimately, students and officers advocated for a definition that was locally developed and reflected the unique context and values of our institution.
In November 2024, the university leadership team officially adopted the following definition and the SU formally adopted the definition shortly afterwards.
Islamophobia is a form of discrimination, intolerance, hostility, irrational fear, and/or hatred directed towards Muslims and those perceived as Muslim, as well as their belongings and places of worship. It is also known as anti-Muslim hatred.
Why is this important?
Having a shared definition allows us to move from abstract values to concrete action. It acknowledges Islamophobia not just as isolated acts of prejudice, but as a systemic issue that can manifest through exclusion, harassment or structural barriers.
The definition offers a framework for training, reporting, and supporting students and staff. It signals that Islamophobia will be recognised, named and addressed. More importantly, it creates space for awareness, education, and accountability, whilst laying the foundation for meaningful policies and inclusive practices across campus.
Next steps
This is not the end of the work — the definition is a living, evolving tool that will be reviewed and refined over time. But it is a critical step toward a more inclusive, respectful and informed university culture.
Moving forward, we will continue working closely with the EDI team and university leadership to ensure the definition informs training, policy development and reporting mechanisms. This includes embedding the definition across student and staff-facing processes and ensuring students feel empowered to speak up against hate.
The success of our work was grounded in collaborating with students, staff and institutional leaders.
We recognise that a definition alone won’t solve everything, but it’s a powerful foundation for collective action, shared understanding and real cultural change. Because a truly inclusive university is one where every student feels safe, respected and able to thrive.
