Engaging Muslim Students on Campus
- Comanchette McBee (Iowa State University)
Abstract
Despite the fact that over 1.8 billion people practice Islam worldwide, misconceptions regarding the religion run rampant, especially in the United States. These misconceptions increased after 9/11 and again during the 2016 election cycle due to discussions of ISIS, Syrian refugees, and Muslim travel bans. Such misinformation is not innocuous; it has resulted in an uptick of hate crimes against those who are deemed Muslim, especially those of Arab descent. The college campus is increasingly becoming the backdrop to microaggressions, discrimination, and hate crimes. Not only do colleges need to do more to combat these issues, but they also need to do more to accommodate the needs of Muslim students on campus. In order for higher education to create a more inclusive and welcoming climate toward Muslim students, we need to make purposeful choices that address the lived experiences of Muslim students on campus. This presentation will discuss the specific problems faced by Muslim learners on campus as well as potential solutions to these problems.