Findings from the American Muslim Poll 2022, by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, show that nearly half (48%) of Muslim families with school-age children reported an incident of religious-based bullying in the previous year. One out of five families report that the bullying occurred nearly every school day. Muslims are often bullied for faith-related practices such as prayer, fasting, or wearing religious attire- like Muslim girls wearing hijab (head scarves). Bullying that targets Muslim students occurs both by trusted adults in school (42%) and online by peers (31%). Schools need to provide more education of anti-Muslim bullying to students and educators to foster safe and inclusive learning environments.
The US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights reports there has been an alarming increase in reports of bias and discrimination facing Muslim students. Federal laws exist to protect us all from religious discrimination, to learn more visit StopBullying.gov.