Addressing Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Bias

Islamic and Arab communities represent a rich diversity of experiences, beliefs, and traditions that greatly contribute to the vibrancy of UCSF. We recognize that these communities are often mistakenly conflated, and we are committed to challenging misconceptions that portray any group as a monolith.

UCSF actively works to address Islamophobia and anti-Arab bias by fostering understanding and respect across all cultures. The following highlights campus resources and recent efforts dedicated to this ongoing commitment.

On This Page

Community and Respect
Understanding Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Bias
Education and Training
Support and Resources
Safety and Security
Applicable Laws and Policies

Community and Respect

"At UCSF, one of our fundamental priorities is to ensure that all members of our community, regardless of background or identity, feel safe, seen, and heard…Let us work together to embrace a culture of empathy and true inclusivity in which every member of our community can join in productive dialogue in service of our shared public mission to advance health for all without fear, discrimination, or bias." — Chancellor Sam Hawgood, MBBS

Understanding Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Bias

The definitions listed below encompass a range of perspectives, each offering a deeper insight into the concept:

Education and Training

LinkedIn Learning course screenshot

LinkedIn Learning Course: “Understanding and Supporting Muslim Colleagues at Work” by Maha Elgenaidi

Watch “Islamophobia and Allyship in the Workplace” from the course.

(MyAccess Log-in Required)

EXPLORE THE COURSE

More Educational Resources

Leadership Workshop Series

Designed to educate leaders and others about shared ancestry, including addressing Islamophobia and antisemitism. UCSF’s ongoing commitment is to advance equity and inclusion for our diverse community. Led by the Office of Opportunity and Outreach, in partnership with the Islamic Networks Group whose mission is to promote peace among all, by fostering a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Muslims and other faith-based, racial/ethnic, and cultural communities, through teaching, learning, and engaging across differences.

Leadership Workshop: Honoring Our Shared Humanity: Understanding and Combating Islamophobia and Its Intersections with Anti-Arab and Anti-Palestinian Bigotry

Islamophobia, a framework with deep historical roots, has long influenced how Islam, Muslims, and Arabs are defined and depicted both in the United States and around the world. This seminar delves into the definitions of Islamophobia, its origins, and its prevailing stereotypes. It also explores the intersection of Islamophobia with anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racisms, examining their effects on Muslim and Arab American communities. The seminar concludes by offering strategies to combat Islamophobia on both interpersonal and institutional levels, tailored to various contexts and audiences. Throughout, the speaker will engage with the audience, answering questions and facilitating discussion.

Academic offerings: 21 leadership workshops offered from 12/3/24 to 5/22/25.

Other Examples of Recent Programming

  • Breathing Room for Graduate Division Students (November 17, 2023)
  • Supporting Each Other In Community for Learners, Faculty, and Staff (December 5, 2023)
  • UCSF Ramadan Iftar Dinner (March 26, 2025)
  • Arab Talk with Dr. Jess Ghannam (April 18, 2025)
  • Arab American Heritage Month Breakfast Meet & Greet (April 30, 2025)  

Free Speech and Academic Freedom

Leadership Messages

Support and Resources

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
Invites UCSF faculty, staff, residents, postdocs and clinical fellows to use our free and confidential employee counseling services. FSAP is dedicated to supporting the mental and emotional health of our community, enhancing both individual growth and collective strength.

Multicultural Resource Center
Aims to nurture our diverse body of learners, faculty, and staff through programmatic efforts in community building and education.

Office of the Ombuds
Offers a safe, confidential place to discuss UCSF-related issues and explore possible solutions and resources. The ombuds will listen; help identify options; make inquiries and referrals as appropriate; and/or facilitate resolutions in an impartial manner.

Restorative Justice Practices
Offers a wide application of services that are proactive approaches to building and strengthening trust and a responsive approach that focuses on responding to relational harm by centering the individual and community needs.

UCSF Spiritual Care Services
Offers spiritual and emotional support, and listens with Openness and understanding. Patients, families and staff are encouraged to call a chaplain when experiencing fear, anger, loneliness, helplessness, anxiety, grief or loss or when they just need someone to talk to. Chaplains with Spiritual Care Services provide support to patients, families, friends and staff members at UCSF Health's Parnassus Heights, Mount Zion and Mission Bay campuses.

Student Mental Health and Wellbeing
Provides high quality, culturally responsive, holistic mental health care and wellbeing services to assist learners in achieving academic and professional success as well as lifelong health.

Wellness
Provides resources and support centered around seven Pillars of Wellness: emotional, physical, social, financial, environmental, career, and spiritual. Visit My Wellness for events and resources.

Safety and Security: Responding to Threats and Harassment

UCSF is committed to providing a safe and welcoming working and learning environment free from bullying, intimidation, threats and/or acts of violence. If you have experienced an incident of bias, discrimination, or harassment, please reach out to options below as a next step. UCSF will take prompt steps to assess, investigate, and/or take remedial actions as appropriate.

Immediate Threats of Harm or Violence

Contact law enforcement directly if you experience physical harm, direct threats, or emergency situations. If you need help, dial 911. For on-campus emergencies, call 9-911 from a campus phone or (415) 476-6911 from a non-campus phone.

Reporting Harassment and Discrimination

If you would like to report unwelcome conduct, discrimination, or harassment related to Islamophobia or anti-Arab hate, please contact the UCSF Office of Ethics and Compliance, Investigations Unit (IU): [email protected].

Applicable Laws and Policies

California State

University of California Policies

University of California, San Francisco Policies