In the public imagination, September 11, 2001 marked the arrival of Islam in this country, bound to narratives of destruction and terror. Now, when polled, almost half of all Americans will admit to harboring anti-Muslim feelings, and policies embedded in US law enforcement make sure that number doesn’t wane. Nation writer Moustafa Bayoumi, who wrote the introduction to our special issue on the topic, explains how manifestations of Islamophobia have changed over the past decade, and why there may be reason for hope. For more, watch Laila Al-Arian explain how free speech has come under attack since 9/11.

—Zoë Schlanger