Middlesex University: Strengthening Interfaith Solidarity in Barnet

Target Group
Academic staff
Early career staff
Postgraduate students
Professional and support staff
Researchers
Undergraduate students
Initiative Theme
Culture
Initiative institution
Middlesex University
Application type
Race Equality Charter
Publication date

Institution

Middlesex University

Author

  • Jamal Uddin, EDI Manager 
  • Monna Rizvi, Deputy Liaison Librarian Manager

Overview 

To address rising Islamophobia and Antisemitism, Middlesex University has strengthened interfaith dialogue through strategic partnership with London Borough of Barnet, Barnet Multi Faith Forum and its MDX Inter Faith Network. Through civic collaboration, student-led events and public education initiatives, the University has fostered community cohesion, challenged prejudice and modelled inclusive leadership locally and nationally. 

About the organisation 

Middlesex University is a diverse London-based university with a strong civic mission and global outlook. Located in the London Borough of Barnet, the University serves a highly multi-faith and multicultural community. Through its MDX Inter Faith Network (IFN), the University works in partnership with local faith groups, civic leaders and students to promote dialogue, tackle discrimination and strengthen social cohesion. Interfaith work is embedded within the University’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy and aligns with its wider commitments to inclusion, sustainability and civic responsibility. 

Purpose of the initiative 

In recent years, national and international events have contributed to increased incidents of Islamophobia and Antisemitism across the UK. As a civic anchor institution within a diverse borough, the University recognised its responsibility to provide safe spaces for dialogue, education and solidarity. 

The initiative aimed to: 

  • Challenge Islamophobia and Antisemitism through education and visibility 
  • Strengthen interfaith understanding on campus and in the local community 
  • Empower students to lead inclusive, values-driven events 
  • Embed interfaith dialogue within the University’s civic and EDI strategy 

Prior to formalising this approach, interfaith activity was largely event-based and ad hoc. Through reflection and strategic planning, the University sought to develop a more sustained, partnership-led model that centred collaboration with local faith organisations and civic bodies. 

Description of the initiative

The MDX Inter Faith Network developed a structured programme of activity combining awareness-raising, civic engagement and student-led initiatives. 

Key activities include: 

  • Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations delivered annually in partnership with Barnet Council and Barnet Multi Faith Forum, bringing together community members to reflect on antisemitism and genocide prevention. 
  • Marking Islamophobia Awareness Month with a public exhibition in the University Quad, showcasing the history of Islam and its contributions to science, technology and civilisation, challenging harmful stereotypes through education. 
  • Delivering The Big Iftar in 2024 and 2025 with the Students’ Union and Islamic Society, welcoming over 200 attendees. In 2026, the event was rebranded as “MDX Iftar” to align with institutional strategy and ensure student leadership at the heart of delivery, including student hosts and speakers. 
  • Senior leadership participation in community faith events, including attendance at a Sukkot celebration at a North London synagogue by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shân Wareing, demonstrating visible solidarity. 
  • Marking Inter Faith Week and the 20th anniversary of Mitzvah Day in collaboration with Climate Clarity and Dialogue Society, combining faith dialogue with sustainability action. 
  • The Network also collaborates regularly with local partners on Faith and Peace Walks, tree planting, Clean Air Day and Eco Show and Tell fairs, acknowledging that sustainability and environmental accountability lie at the heart of all faiths and providing safe, non-judgemental spaces for interfaith dialogue and learning. 

Rationale 

Interfaith dialogue was chosen as a proactive strategy to counter Islamophobia and Antisemitism because research consistently shows that structured contact and shared civic activity reduce prejudice and build empathy. As a university embedded within a diverse borough, partnership with Barnet Multi Faith Forum provided both legitimacy and reach. 

The approach combined education, symbolic leadership and shared action, recognising that combating hate requires both visible solidarity and sustained relationship-building.  

Results 

The initiative has strengthened trust, visibility and recognition both internally and externally. 

Impact highlights include: 

  • Over 200 attendees at MDX Iftar 2026, with increased student leadership and representation. 
  • Increased participation in Inter Faith Week and community-led events year on year. 
  • Senior leadership engagement in interfaith activity, reinforcing institutional commitment. 
  • Strengthened civic partnerships across Barnet. 

External recognition has included: 

  • MDX Inter Faith Network winning a 2024 London Dangoor Award (Interfaith Relations category) from Faith & Belief Forum. 
  • A University Alliance Alliance Award recognising collaborative work embracing different viewpoints from University Alliance. 
  • Election of IFN Co-Chair Monna Rizvi as Vice Chair of Barnet Multi Faith Forum and recipient of the London Borough of Barnet Civic Award 2025. 
  • MDX Senior Lecturer Dr Ariel Kahn joining the prestigious Woolf Institute as Affiliate Artist, reflecting the integration of scholarship, literature and interfaith dialogue. 

Qualitatively, feedback from participants highlights increased understanding, empathy and a stronger sense of belonging across faith communities.

Key barriers and facilitators 

Facilitators: 

  • Strong civic partnerships with Barnet Multi-Faith Forum and Barnet Council 
  • Visible senior leadership participation 
  • Active student societies and Students’ Union engagement 
  • Dedicated coordination through the MDX Inter Faith Network  

Barriers: 

  • Heightened global tensions are impacting campus climate 
  • Managing sensitive dialogue across differing viewpoints 
  • Capacity pressures in coordinating multi-partner events 

The Network addressed these through clear ground rules for dialogue, values-led facilitation, and co-design with community partners to ensure events were respectful, educational and inclusive. 

The future?

The University will continue embedding interfaith dialogue within its EDI and civic strategies. Plans include expanding on student-led events, strengthening evaluation measures, and deepening partnership work across Barnet. There is also an ambition to share learning sector-wide as a model of how universities can proactively counter religious hatred through collaboration and civic engagement. 

Advice for other members

  • Anchor interfaith work within institutional strategy, not just events. 
  • Partner with credible local faith organisations. 
  • Ensure visible senior leadership participation. 
  • Centre students in delivery wherever possible. 
  • Combine symbolic solidarity with practical, shared civic action. 

Web links

#TeamMDX 

Advance HE shares a range of practice and approaches to charters awards. Case studies/example applications illustrate one approach to race/gender equality work but there are a variety of successful approaches and we recommend charter members consider their local evidence-base and context when deciding how to advance equality in their setting.