A message from our new Inclusion Champion for Muslim staff and students

My name is Professor John Preston, and I am truly honoured and excited to introduce myself as the Inclusion Champion for Muslim staff and students. This is a new role here at the University, and I’m both committed and thrilled to have a part in making our community a more inclusive, supportive and welcoming place for all.

My hope is to foster an environment where every Muslim member of our community feels seen, valued, and respected, as well as one where you feel empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.

While I am not a practicing Muslim, I have had the privilege of working closely with Muslim students and community groups in East London in previous roles. As part of my academic work, I led an Economic and Social Research Council project on race, religion and preparedness which involved working extensively with the East London Mosque, and other Muslim faith community groups. I’ve also supervised PhDs on issues related to the Islamic faith and Muslim Identity, including one exploring the narratives of Muslim women in East London, which closely relates to the experiences of students. In addition, I had the opportunity to organise a public debate between the University of East London Islamic Society and activist Peter Tatchell on issues related to equality and identity.

These experiences have been incredibly enriching and, they have given me a deeper appreciation of the Islamic faith and the challenges that Muslim communities face. I have not yet worked as actively with Muslim students and staff here at Essex, but I am eager to learn from you all and to work together to create meaningful change. I see this role as an opportunity to listen, grow, and to advocate for the needs of our Muslim friends, students, colleagues and local community.

In light of recent global and national events, such as the devastating violence in Gaza and the wider Middle East, and the unrest during the UK riots in the summer of 2024, it is crucial that we address the rise in Islamophobia which must be confronted in all its forms, not only on a global scale but also within our own communities here at the University.

Last academic year, we undertook a consultation with Muslim staff and students on your experiences at the University. We were pleased to find that instances of Islamophobia are rare at the University but want to ensure we nurture an inclusive culture and are ready to tackle Islamophobia should it arise. That’s why we the consultation also looked at what our definition of Islamophobia should be, and thanks to your input we have come up with this working definition:

‘Islamophobia is any distinction, exclusion, or restriction towards, or preference against, Muslims (or those perceived to be Muslims) that has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of one’s human rights and the fundamental freedoms as protected by the Equality Act 2010 in the political, economic, social, cultural, or any other field of public life. It can be rooted in racism as a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness (or perceived Muslimness) and can include bullying, physical violence, xenophobia, or religious discrimination or persecution’.

As Inclusion Champion, my aim is to work closely with the Student Union Essex ISOC (Islamic Society), staff groups, the Faith Centre, and local Mosques and faith organisations to ensure that our Muslim students and staff feel they can practice their faith in safety, that they are supported, and that they feel understood. This means not only acknowledging and celebrating our rich cultural and religious diversity but also addressing the unique challenges that Muslim individuals may face.

An important element of this work is our Muslim Staff Network, who are currently looking for Muslim members of staff who would like to act as Chair or co-Chair. If you are interested in chairing or would like more information on joining the network, please contact inclusion@essex.ac.uk.

I am committed to working closely with university leadership to ensure that the voices of Muslim students and staff are amplified and represented in key decision-making processes. Your perspectives are invaluable in shaping the policies and practices that affect us all.

I am eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Please feel free to reach out – you can find my contact details on the University’s Inclusion Champion webpage. My door is always open, and I am here to listen, to learn and to support you in any way I can.