In the weeks following the start of the Israel-Hamas war, students at Washington University have reported increased instances of Islamophobia and antisemitism.

Student coalition calls for an October 25th walkout

The protest came nine days after some students went on academic strike, skipping class or attending remotely out of fear for their safety or in solidarity with Muslim, Black and brown students.

In 2021, we find ourselves where we were 20 years ago – unable to protest the ‘forever wars’ spawned by 9/11 without being labeled un-American.

Some students stayed away from campus Wednesday in solidarity with others who felt unsafe attending class, due to online Islamophobic threats.

The University’s communications this week have shown a clear lack of empathy for its students.

Washington University in St. Louis’ (along with that of local and national community members) treatment of an undergraduate student’s interrupted protest exemplifies the anti-Muslim sentiment that has dramatically increased these past 20 years since 9/11.

While there may be differing opinions on Fadel’s choice of protest, the subsequent Islamophobic and racist response to his protest was intolerable.

Multiple students groups have condemned the Islamophobic comments and threats following senior Fadel Alkilani’s removal of the flags, while College Republicans have called for his expulsion.

“Many Muslim and Brown students, particularly those who are visibly identifiable either by their hijab, turbans, etc., do not feel safe on campus and are hesitant to attend classes tomorrow,” read a statement from a coalition of student and student groups.