From “Islamophobia Undermines Religious Freedom,” by Adrienne van der Valk, managing editor for Teaching Tolerance. The original article is available here.
If your students are hearing Islamophobic rhetoric at school, at home or in their communities, it may well leave them feeling confused or frightened. Use these resources to offer facts and perspectives that can help correct misinformation, improve school safety and offer examples of how students across the country have responded in the face of Islamophobia.
What is the Truth About American Muslims?
A publication co-produced by the Interfaith Alliance and the Religious Freedom Project of the First Amendment Center that debunks damaging stereotypes about Muslims in the United States. It also includes a section on religious freedom under the U.S. Constitution.
“Extreme Prejudice”
A magazine feature story about why it’s necessary to teach about religious radicalism. The story has an accompanying lesson-based toolkit.
“Dressing in Solidarity”
A magazine feature story about a school that rallied around its Muslim students after an anti-Muslim hate crime.
“Youth United! Enough is Enough”
A video feature about a school that lost a student to an anti-Muslim hate crime and how, after the tragedy, his classmates took action to establish a community-wide culture of respect, love and understanding. (Great for sharing with kids!)
Religious Diversity in the Classroom: Fostering a Culture of Respect
A webinar co-produced by TT and the Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding about how to make your classroom a safe place to learn for students of all religious and nonreligious beliefs.
“Debunking Stereotypes About Muslims and Islam”
A classroom lesson in which students learn about Muslims in the United States and explore how religions are similar and unique.
“Confronting Students’ Islamophobia”
A blog post about a teacher’s reaction when her students resisted meeting a Muslim children’s book author.
“Don’t Look Away From Garissa”
A blog post about an Islamic extremist attack on a Kenyan university and the implications for students and teachers in the United States when only the negative stories about Islam make it into the news.
