Blue Ribbon Task Force on Addressing Islamophobia

The SDSU Islamophobia and SWANA/MENA Task Force is being elevated as a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Addressing Islamophobia, consistent with other university-wide task force groups. At SDSU, we are committed to improving our campus culture to ensure that all Muslim and SWANA/MENA students, faculty and staff feel welcomed and supported at San Diego State University. 

Charge and Composition of the Task Force

Members of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Addressing Islamophobia will be charged with the critical responsibility of examining and addressing issues related to Islamophobia and also Anti-Palestinian, Anti-Arab and Anti-Muslim discrimination. In an advisory role, members of the task force will consult on how to improve inclusivity and how SDSU fosters a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community.

The task force will consist of 12-15 members, including faculty, staff, students, community members, and allies, who will serve one- to three-year appointments. Appointments will be prioritized for those with demonstrated content expertise and/or who have studied or researched the lived experiences of MENA, Arab and Muslim peoples. 

Responsibilities

The task force's objectives include:

• Reviewing and recommending improvements for policies and practices to identify and mitigate instances of Islamophobia on campus.
• Collaborating with Inclusive SDSU/CREDIT Process to develop a protocol for responding effectively to incidents of Islamophobia in alignment with our commitment to inclusivity.
• Assessing opportunities to integrate education on the experiences of those who are MENA, Arab, and Muslim across the curriculum to increase awareness and understanding among students, faculty and staff.
• Providing recommendations for enhancing the onboarding processes for students, faculty, and staff to create a supportive and safe environment for MENA, Arab, and Muslim students.
• Identifying recommendations for improving campus climate and promoting cultural diversity, including amplifying the accomplishments and contributions of SDSU's MENA, Arab, and Muslim students, faculty, and staff.
• Offering recommendations for increasing awareness of campus-wide events celebrating MENA, Arab and Muslim cultures, histories and diversity.
• Producing an annual report on support for and incidents impacting MENA, Arab, and Muslim community members, as well as the activities of the task force (to track progress and inform future initiatives).
• Engaging with a broad range of campus and community stakeholders to gather insights and suggestions for recommendations on combating Islamophobia and also Anti-Palestinian, Anti-Arab and Anti-Muslim discrimination toward enhancing support for MENA, Arab, and Muslim community members.

Nomination Process and Contact Information

Nominations will be accepted through July 1, 2024.

Should you have any questions, contact Randy Timm, Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Diversity, at [email protected], and Tonika Green, Associate Vice President for Campus Community Affairs, at [email protected].

Nomination Form 

 

About the Islamophobia and SWANA/MENA Taskforce

The Islamophobia and SWANA/MENA Task Force was established under Student Affairs and Campus Diversity in 2022. The task force was charged with improving SDSU’s campus culture to ensure that all Muslim and SWANA/MENA students, faculty, and staff feel welcomed, supported and heard. The task force efforts have been part of SDSU’s ongoing efforts to embed equity and inclusion in everything we do, including working in solidarity with our Muslim, Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA), Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) populations.

Priorities Islamophobia and SWANA/MENA Task Force

• Create recommendations for collecting and disaggregating data for Muslim and SWANA/MENA students, faculty and staff
• Identify opportunities to improve campus climate by observing key Muslim and SWANA/MENA events throughout the calendar year
• Provide recommendations on how SDSU can develop community and a sense of belonging for the Muslim and SWANA/MENA community