Helping Journalists Cover American Muslims Fairly

The Muslim Ban. Christ Church. State level Anti-Muslim legislation. Reporting on American Muslim communities and the issues that impact them has never been more challenging. That is why, your partnership has been vital!  

On March 18, ISPU brought together nearly 25 journalists for a full day of learning about covering American Muslims creatively and confidently. We paired journalists with scholars for a full day of interactive presentations and activities, including a wealth of information on demographics, sharia, gender, race, and ideologically motivated violence. Participants represented a variety of outlets, including the Chicago Tribune, ProPublica Illinois, and WBEZ Chicago public radio, and some even traveled from Wisconsin and Indiana to attend. Each participating journalist received a copy of our toolkit for journalists. “I left the workshop more informed and more conscientious of my actions, thoughts and work about and with Muslims.” That is how one participant summed up the day. 

Indeed, the workshop is already making a difference. One reporter from Wisconsin Public TV connected with an ISPU scholar who presented that day to create a full news segment on understanding what is and isn't sharia. One newsroom requested additional copies of our toolkit so they could conduct their own in-office training for their full newsroom. A reporting team focused on race and culture at WBEZ, Chicago's NPR affiliate, attended the training as a full group. Can you imagine the change in their coverage now that they have a whole new set of sources and tools?

The impact cascades through newsrooms -- each journalist we reach reaches others in their orbit with thoughtful edits, advice, and guidance. We want coverage of American Muslims to be reflective of who we know they really are -- and trainings like this help us get there. We can't do any of this without you. Thank you for your support!