The University of Maryland Critical Issues Poll, partially funded by the University of Maryland Grand Challenges Grant, released a report on July 2, 2024 examing the change in U.S. public attitudes towards Jews and Muslims from 2022 to 2024. The report found several striking findings:
First, by some important measures, expressed prejudice toward Muslim Americans remains highest compared to all other ethnic and religious groups we study. For example, only 28% said Muslims “strengthen American society” compared to over 40% for each other group, including Asian Americans, Black Americans, Latino Americans, Christian Americans, and Jewish Americans. This is as true in 2024 as it was in 2022.
Similarly, opposition to Muslim presidential candidates, even if respondents agreed with their general positions, remains highest compared to opposition to candidates of any other religion, and more than double the opposition to a Jewish candidate. In contrast, the lowest opposition was roughly equally to Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant candidates.
Second, favorable views of Muslims and of Islam have declined since 2022.
Third, Americans say that, based on their experience, they perceive a rise in incidences of prejudice toward both Muslims and Jews, while perceiving a decline in prejudice toward other groups since 2022.
Fourth, as in 2022, a majority of Republicans say they back declaring the United States a Christian Nation, even as most also say such a move would be unconstitutional.
There are many other in-depth findings in the demographic analysis, as well as multiple related issues, including perceptions of antisemitism.
