Nearly Half of Muslim Students in Tennessee Report Faith-Based Bullying

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has expressed concern over a report by the American Muslim Advisory Council (AMAC), which found that 46% of Muslim students in Tennessee reported experiencing faith-based bullying. CAIR commended AMAC for publishing the report, highlighting the need to address anti-Muslim bias in schools. The findings reflect a broader national trend of rising anti-Muslim bullying, requiring immediate attention from educators, administrators, and policymakers.

Key Takeaways:

• A report by the American Muslim Advisory Council (AMAC) found that 46% of Muslim students in Tennessee reported experiencing faith-based bullying.
• 68% of Muslim students reported that teachers rarely intervened in instances of faith-based bullying.
• CAIR offers an "Educator's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices" to assist teachers in creating a supportive academic environment.
• CAIR's Massachusetts chapter released a report, "Silenced Voices: Examining Bullying and Islamophobia in Massachusetts Public Schools," indicating that nearly half of participants experienced bullying due to their religious identity.
• CAIR urged institutions of higher education and K-12 schools to protect anti-genocide students during National Bullying Prevention Month in October.
• Schools have a legal obligation to provide students, including those perceived to be Palestinian, Arab, or Muslim, a school environment free from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
• CAIR encourages students experiencing discrimination to report it and consult guides for resources and information on student and parent rights.

Statistics:

• 46% of Muslim students in Tennessee reported experiencing faith-based bullying.
• 68% of Muslim students reported that teachers rarely intervened in instances of faith-based bullying.
• 921 education-related complaints were received by CAIR in 2023, a 219% increase over the previous year.
• 84% of Muslim students in higher education or in a trade/vocational program reported experiencing religious discrimination in 2024.

Sources:

• Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) news release, September 8, 2023.
• American Muslim Advisory Council (AMAC) report, nearly half of Tennessee Muslim students report faith-based bullying.
• CAIR's "Educator's Guide to Islamic Religious Practices".
• CAIR's Massachusetts chapter report, "Silenced Voices: Examining Bullying and Islamophobia in Massachusetts Public Schools".
• Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), report on hostile treatment of anti-genocide protesters and anti-Palestinian racism in universities.
• CAIR-NY report on feeling hate in schools.
• CAIR-CA report showing Muslim students are bullied at twice the national average.
• ISPU report on American Muslims experiencing religious discrimination.