For a country founded on religious freedom and liberty, Americans have made it clear that there is an exception where the Bill of Rights doesn’t apply: Islam.  It is a peaceful religion that has experienced backlash ever since the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Hate crimes have risen to an alarming rate since 9/11; whether the increase is related to post-9/11 rhetoric or anti-Muslim groups or both, it is still unclear.

However, sophomore Fatuma Muse states, “Islamophobia has increased generally around the world since a lot of people have a really bad image of Muslims.”

Since the beginning of 2015, there have been various arson attacks on mosques and assaults against Muslims. Most recently, three Kansas men were apprehended for plotting to blow up an apartment complex housing Somali immigrants who are Muslim. These men were part of an anti-Muslim group that planned to partake in a domestic terrorist plot after the presidential election as a “wake-up call”.

Faisal Madar, cultural liaison at AVHS, says,“ Islamophobia has existed since 2001, and under this presidential election atmosphere, the hatred towards Muslims has gotten worse. Why have we been held accountable for the few bad people who don’t represent Islam?”

The influx of attacks across the nation has created an environment in which candidates can weigh in. Terrorist attacks have been a hot subject during the presidential election as both candidates have very different approaches to the problem. Donald Trump’s solution would be to ban Muslims from the United States until proper vetting is in place…which would cause even more divide between Muslim Americans and the government.

Police and media indicate that most of the recent attacks have mostly singled out those wearing traditional garb or as a Middle Eastern. “People don’t usually know that I am Muslim, but Muslim women have been target many times,” said Madar. “I personally haven’t experienced Islamophobia, but I know many people who have.”

Fatima Muse shared her experience when someone confronted her. “I felt really bad. I don’t understand why they say go back to your country–this is my country. Just because we have a different religion doesn’t mean someone can think lower of us.”

We tell mainstream America that the Bill of Rights do apply to everyone, no matter their gender, race, creed, or religion. Even though this article won’t solve our growing problem of Islamophobia, it only takes one step at a time. America will come together and break the stigma against Muslims; the only way to do that is by acknowledging it.