Combating Islamophobia and Anti-Arab Sentiment in Our Schools and Communities

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In the last three years, Islamophobia has sharply risen in the US, across almost all demographic groups. Undoubtedly, the weaponization of Islamophobia by high-profile individuals is a major driver of this worrying trend. Much of this Islamophobic rhetoric relies on five common stereotypes about Muslims. Learn and engage with the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) and the Arab American National Museum (AANM) as we define Islamophobia, discuss its dangerous repercussions and gather resources to help combat this dangerous rhetoric, from educators to parents to community members.

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Dave Serio is the Curator of Education at the Arab American National Museum. He holds a Master’s degree in Near Eastern Studies and Arabic from Wayne State University. He joined AANM in January of 2011. As an Educator and Public Programmer, Dave conducts educational presentations and workshops both in-person and online. He leads the planning and implementation of youth programs and cultural events, such as the SURA Arts Academy, a youth photography program. He is the Curator of the Arab Film Festival and oversees all film programming at AANM. He proudly serves on the board of the Anton Art Center, Macomb County Pride, Friends of the Detroit Film Theatre and DAFT. Dave identifies as a third-generation Arab American, whose family comes from Lebanon. He dabbles a little in the film industry, is a proud cat dad of two and is always up for a good political debate.

Petra Alsoofy is the Senior Outreach and Partnerships Manager at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU). ISPU, a nonprofit applied research organization, provides objective research and education about American Muslims to support well-informed dialogue and decision-making. Petra’s work at ISPU includes strengthening valued partnerships and creating new ones, ensuring ISPU’s research reaches the public and critical stakeholders such as policymakers, community and interfaith leaders, media professionals, and educators. She has developed and conducted various trainings and programs, including briefings on Capitol Hill, researchers’ convenings, major conference and media appearances, and subject area expert meetings on American Muslim communities.