When Evidence Isn’t Enough: Government Dismisses Report on anti-Muslim Discrimination

On March 21st 2025, the , commissioned by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment, was published. Together with colleagues from Regioplan, Borja Martinovic, Verena Seibel and Stefanie Sprong, affiliates of the focus area and members of the research group examined Muslims' experiences of subtle, overt and institutional discrimination, in education, at work, in health care, in public spaces, and in dealing with institutions.

Based on both an extensive literature review and in-depth qualitative research, the report concludes that Muslim discrimination is a widespread phenomenon in the Netherlands that occurs in different domains and stages of life, can take different forms, and often forms a pattern. The increased normalisation of Muslim discrimination means that these experiences are not incidental but contain a clear structural component.

It is therefore important that solutions look at the broader structures. The responsiblity for taking action with the government and other large organisations. However, it is crucial that Muslims are involved at all steps in the design and implementation of any measures to target discrimination

As researchers, we are extremely grateful to all Muslims who were willing to share their personal and often very painful experiences with us during interviews and focus groups, despite a widely shared sense of research fatigue and scepticism that another research report will bring about change.

The report received a lot of negative attention and the Tweede Kamer’s voted not to discuss it. Dismissing a report that concludes that part of the population is structurally discriminated is worrisome. In science, it is common to critically assess the quality of research, but this is done on the basis of substantive arguments. It therefore seems that it is mostly a political choice to look the other way: some political parties are actively choosing to ignore the overwhelming evidence of discrimination against Muslims.

In Rood Stuk Vlees, we offer a detailed response to this critique in the subsequent piece : &²Ô²ú²õ±è;“

  • dr. Verena Seibel

    Assistant Professor
    Social and Behavioural Sciences - Social Sciences - Interdisciplinary Social Science

  • dr. Borja Martinovic

    Associate Professor
    Social and Behavioural Sciences - Social Sciences - Interdisciplinary Social Science

  • dr. Stefanie Sprong

    Researcher
    Social and Behavioural Sciences - Social Sciences - Interdisciplinary Social Science