Aziz Foundation and University of London co-Host Uncovering Islamophobia in higher education book launch

At Senate House, University of London, we came together for the powerful launch of Uncovering Islamophobia in Higher Education - a landmark collection shedding urgent light on the barriers Muslim students and staff face across UK universities.

Co-sponsored by The Aziz Foundation and the University of London, the event brought together scholars, practitioners, students, and sector leaders for a critical conversation on structural Islamophobia, institutional responsibility, and the path towards truly inclusive higher education.

From the inaugural panel with Ruqia Osman, Professor Reza Glolami, and Dr Amena Amer, highlighting lived experiences of exclusion and erasure in UK higher education, to reflections on representation, belonging, and the failure of current access and participation agendas, the need for change could not be clearer. Our own Dr Zain Sardar, Programme Manager at the Foundation, also contributed a vital chapter in the book and participated in the discussion, exploring the intersectional disadvantages facing British Muslims and the structural barriers they face in academic progression - from undergraduate to postgraduate taught study and beyond.

The second panel featured influential voices including:

• Professor Zainab Khan (London South Bank University)
• Shahryar Khan (Amazon, Aziz Alumnus)
• John Blake (Office for Students)
• Serena Al Jabbar (Formerly Queen Mary University of London)

... all speaking to the systemic gaps and the necessity of leadership, accountability, and allyship in transforming our institutions.

During the evening reception, our Trustee, Rahima Aziz BEM, delivered closing remarks with a powerful call to action:

“Islamophobia is present, prevalent, and often unacknowledged within our universities. This book centres lived experiences and offers practical, evidence-based solutions. To the university leaders, policy experts, and practitioners here tonight - your presence matters, but your partnership matters even more.”

🕊️ We were also deeply moved by the words of Dr Maisha Islam, co-author of the volume, who captured the moment beautifully:

“Where our voices and the issues we surface in the book have been historically sidelined in higher education rhetoric and policy, this commitment from the University of London and the Aziz Foundation is all the more significant in (re)claiming and transforming our universities as more equitable spaces where all can flourish.”

This event was an important call for the sector to listen, act, and lead - to ensure Muslim students and staff are no longer marginalised, but meaningfully supported to thrive.