#IslamophobiaIsRacism Syllabus

Several scholars from various disciplines have recently published the Islamophobia is Racism Syllabus, following syllabi such as the Ferguson Syllabus and Black Islam Syllabus. The syllabus acts as an academic riposte to the anti-Muslim ban, but also countless Islamophobic acts, such as media representations.

Most importantly, the syllabus positions Islamophobia not as an exceptional affect but rather as one of the many strands of racism. Locating Islamophobia within this context of racism, Islamophobia is no longer an ahistorical product of “terrorism” but rather seen through the lens of history as a relentless discrimination that has permeated throughout the inception of the US.

Lastly, one may ask: What is the impact of this syllabus? This seems to be a question that we are always asking in our classrooms. This is a way through which academics can disseminate information to general publics and breaking out of the ivory tower. Is it impactful? Well, of course, I do not know. But it is worth sharing and rethinking Islamophobia in this way, and perhaps disseminating it to our friends, especially those who have inklings of Islamophobic Racism.