For more than 20 years, the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) has conducted and shared research on American Muslims and the issues impacting upon Muslim communities in the United States. Since 2016, that research has included several editions of the American Muslim Poll, which captures the attitudes, opinions, and lived experiences of Muslims, alongside Americans of other or no faith. These studies, taken together, provide a robust understanding of the prevalence, manifestations, and consequences of anti-Muslim bigotry as well as responses to it. What follows is a snapshot of what we currently know based on key findings of select reports.
For more than 20 years, the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) has conducted and shared research on American Muslims and the issues impacting upon Muslim communities in the United States. Since 2016, that research has included several editions of the American Muslim Poll, which captures the attitudes, opinions, and lived experiences of Muslims, alongside Americans of other or no faith. These studies, taken together, provide a robust understanding of the prevalence, manifestations, and consequences of anti-Muslim bigotry as well as responses to it. What follows is a snapshot of what we currently know based on key findings of select reports.
Muslims are disproportionately impacted by institutionalized religious discrimination across a number of sectors:
Travel
Free Worship
Political Participation
In Banking and on Financial Platforms
ISPU has published a new analysis of the experience of American Muslims (individuals and organizations) with banking systems in the United States.
Within the Legal System and Media Reporting
In 2018, ISPU released a major study examining the discrepancies, depending on the identity of the accused perpetrator, in the legal system and media related to the treatment of ideologically motivated violence. “Equal Treatment?: Measuring the Legal and Media Responses to Ideologically Motivated Violence in the United States“ examines violent white supremacy, anti-government violence, violence committed in the name of Islam, and other types of ideologically motivated violence. We found:
Employment, Healthcare, and Social Media Platforms
This toolkit, a joint effort published by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, America Indivisible, Western States Center, and Shoulder to Shoulder, is a resource for both short-term and long-term use. In times of crisis, this guide will serve as a reactive rapid response toolkit for immediate actions to address and stymie Islamophobia. At the same time, the information provides several proactive long-term opportunities to address systemic challenges through education and coalition-oriented ideas.
This infographic from our American Muslim Poll 2019: Predicting and Preventing Islamophobia, shows four data-driven ways to combat Islamophobia at the individual and community levels.
This toolkit and infographic offers recommendations and resources to understand, preempt, and challenge opposition to mosque and Islamic center construction and expansion.
ISPU provides objective research and education about American Muslims to support well-informed dialogue and decision-making. Since 2002, ISPU has been at the forefront of discovering trends and opportunities that impact American Muslim communities. Our research aims to educate the general public and equip community change agents, the media, policymakers, and others to make evidence-based decisions. In addition to building in-house capacity, ISPU has assembled leading experts across multiple disciplines, building a solid reputation as a trusted source for information for and about American Muslims.
We are happy to answer questions or discuss these data further in any capacity. Additional research and expert insight is available at ISPU.org and by contacting us at info@ispu.org.
Dalia Mogahed is the Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, where she leads the organization’s pioneering research and thought leadership programs on American Muslims. Learn more about Dalia→
Meira Neggaz is the Executive Director of ISPU, where she is responsible for the institution’s overall leadership, strategy, and growth. Learn more about Meira→
Petra Alsoofy is the Outreach & Partnerships Manager at ISPU, where she strengthens valued partnerships and forges new ones with organizations who share ISPU’s goal of strengthening Muslim communities and building understanding. Learn more about Petra→