America's 2.5 million Muslims make up less than 1% of the U.S. population, according to the Pew Research Center. Many Muslim students face discrimination and some cases have warranted investigation by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights. Muslim groups have reported widespread bias as well. For many Muslim students--particularly those who don't speak English--teachers are their best defense. Educators need to set clear and consistent guidelines. Since the September 11 attacks, there has been a spike in teachers' interest about Islam. But one obstacle to dealing with religious bias for many teachers--including experienced ones--is that their knowledge about Islam is often limited, says Diane Moore, a divinity and education professor at Harvard University. She says taking a cultural studies course to learn about a religion, any religion, can help educators become aware and responsive to issues of discrimination.