For over a decade, CAIR-CA has surveyed Muslim students across California to assess their school experiences. This seventh report, released in 2025 in collaboration with and by CPHB, expands on this work through both quantitative and qualitative research to better understand how bullying and discrimination impact students’ daily lives. The study surveyed 1,802 students, ages 11-18, from 48 counties. 

Findings revealed that 50% of Muslim students experienced peer bullying due to their religious identity, while nearly 1 in 3 reported offensive or inappropriate behavior from school staff – including derogatory remarks about Islam and Muslims, as well as biased curriculum practices. Despite these harmful experiences, most students chose not to report these bullying incidents to school staff because they felt undervalued, were fearful, or found the school’s reporting process unclear. 

For the first time, student focus groups and interviews were also included, revealing a recurring theme of othering and highlighting five key issues: verbal harassment, lack of safety and belonging, biased curriculum, underreporting, and inadequate counseling support.

The 2025 report calls on educators, parents, and policymakers to take action—promoting inclusion, strengthening safety, and ensuring all students feel valued and protected in schools.