Islamophobia awareness should be taught in every school - report

Women in Scotland are more likely to encounter Islamophobia than men

The devastating impact of Islamophobia should be taught in every school in Scotland, according to a new report.

Educational institutions should also have safe spaces for Muslims and establish dress-code policies sensitive to their needs.

The cross-party Holyrood group's recommendations follow a 2021 public inquiry which found a rise in racism.

The Scottish government welcomed the report and said it would consider the findings carefully.

• Anas Sarwar: 'Islamophobia in Scotland should shame us all'

• Racism and Islamophobia 'getting worse in Scotland'

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who launched the initial inquiry, said: "Many of our fellow Scottish citizens face racism and intolerance on a daily basis and are scared to leave their homes.

"And right now, with the tragic escalation of violence in the Middle East, families in Scotland are living in fear of rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia."

Mr Sarwar urged his fellow politicians help make Scotland "a more tolerant nation".

But he added: "As with so many changes in society, that work starts in our classrooms."

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the findings of the public inquiry in 2021 "should shame us all"

The public inquiry, which was set up in 2018, found verbal and physical assaults had intensified, especially on public transport.

It also said more participants in Glasgow experienced abuse.

And it highlighted research that 75% of Muslims said Islamophobia was a regular or everyday issue in Scottish society.

The Muslim Council of Britain described the inquiry report as a "landmark intervention".

Zara Mohammed, secretary-general, said it clearly detailed the meaning and nature of the problem and the different ways it could manifest, in sectors ranging from education to the media.

She added: "Islamophobia has become increasingly pervasive, and its impact on the lived experience of everyday Scottish Muslims is profound. The time to act is now."

'There must be zero tolerance'

Dr Soryia Siddique represents Glasgow's Southside Central ward

Glasgow Southside Central councillor Dr Soryia Siddique has been on the receiving end of racism.

She told BBC Scotland News: "I have experienced Islamophobia and been subjected to comments that I am not westernised enough. I know how hate feels and how it can impact your confidence and self-worth.

"I wear a hijab by choice which is a visible symbol of my faith. I feel particularly vulnerable at times of conflict when Islamophobia is known to rise.

"Sadly too often we hear of hatred being directed at faith communities. There must be zero tolerance."

The Labour councillor urged politicians to address an issue that disproportionately affects both women and Glasgow residents.

Dr Siddique added: "We need all levels of government to take actions and implement the recommendations of the recent Islamophobia report to ensure systemic and lasting change.

"Actions speak louder than words."

Other recommendations in the Scotland's Islamophobia update, which was published on Tuesday, include:

• Regular compulsory training to counter Islamophobia for all teachers and lecturers

• Encouraging institutions to establish links with employers with a track record for championing ethnic diversity

• Require all media editors to consult regularly with the Muslim community in order to promote understanding

• Scottish government funding for organisations and initiatives that promote social cohesion and integration, particularly for Muslim women as they are more likely to encounter racism.

Kaukab Stewart, SNP MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, said many of the recommendations simply called for "good practice in inclusion and diversity".

Ms Stewart said: "Focusing specifically on gendered Islamophobia is important as discrimination against Muslim women takes a specific form and is a specific problem.

"I hope the report will contribute to serious conversations about how government organisations and civic society can better tackle Islamophobia and promote diversity in all our communities."

Muslims told the public inquiry many of the assaults they experienced took place in the street

Pam Gosal, Scottish Conservative MSP for West Scotland, said: "The inquiry's report made several recommendations to tackle Islamophobia in schools in order to stamp out this issue at an early stage.

"But crucially, it also highlighted the disparity between how men and women experience Islamophobia.

"Going forward, I hope that these recommendations will be carefully considered across different levels of government, and will help to lead to a fairer environment for Muslims across Scotland."

Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said the recommendations showed "the measure of the challenge before our generation when it comes to the insidious reality of Islamophobia in our country".

A Scottish government spokesperson said: "Ministers welcome the publication of the CPG report and will consider the findings carefully.

"The Scottish government is clear that there can be no place for racial or religious intolerance in Scotland's schools.

"Our Anti-Racism in Education Programme was established in 2021, to provide oversight to a number of areas of work which are embedding anti-racism in education, including education leadership and professional learning; increasing diversity in the teaching profession, decolonising the curriculum and tackling racist incidents in schools."