Islamophobia by the Management at St. Joseph’s University Bangalore – 2nd Year Student Here, Can’t Stay Silent Anymore
Hey guys,
I’m a 2nd year student at St. Joseph’s University, Bangalore (SJU). Joined in 2024, thought it was one of the better autonomous universities in the city for academics. But after almost two years, the pattern of Islamophobia coming straight from the management and admin is too obvious to ignore anymore.
Small things that keep adding up:
We (Muslim students) have been asking for a proper prayer space or even 10-15 mins flexibility for Zuhr/Asr since first year. Every time the answer is the same — “This is a Christian institution, you should adjust.” Meanwhile the chapel runs on full schedule and no one bats an eye.
Hijabi sisters get pulled up for “dress code violation” literally every other week. The same management that turns a blind eye to low-waist jeans and crop tops suddenly becomes super strict when it’s a hijab or even a simple scarf.
Hostel allotment is another joke. Muslim boys end up in the oldest, most cramped blocks with extra “security checks” while others get better rooms without questions.
A couple of us have heard management staff straight-up say things like “these people always create issues” or question our “loyalty to the institution” during minor disciplinary meetings. One professor even joked in class about “terrorist timing” when someone asked for prayer break. Nothing happened to him.
It’s not just one or two bad apples. It feels systemic — like the management has decided Muslim students are “tolerated” but not welcome on equal terms. Academics are fine, but the constant othering is draining. Mental health is taking a hit and some of us are genuinely scared to even file a grievance because we know how the system works here.
Has anyone else from SJU (current or recent batches) faced this? Especially 1st or 2nd years? Or am I overthinking? Should we escalate to UGC/student welfare or just keep quiet and finish the degree?
Genuinely looking for advice or if others have similar stories. Not here to bash the university’s education — just the ugly bias from the top.
Thanks for reading. Inshallah