Nasir, N. i. S. and J. Al-Amin. 2006. “Creating Identity-Safe Spaces on College Campuses for Muslim Students.” Change 38(2): 22-27.
The authors, two Muslim women, write from personal experience and the experiences of others gleaned from interviews and discussions with Muslims from varied backgrounds. They wish to relate in particular the experience “of being Muslim in academic spaces, of feeling the need to actively negotiate others’ perceptions of us in these spaces, and of finding ways to stay connected to our institutions despite gaps in their support and understanding of this part of our identities.” Issues encountered by Muslims on campuses include negative stereotyping, difficulty practicing their religion, and discrimination. The article discusses in detail several simple changes that could significantly combat these students’ difficulties. An important viewpoint for university administrators, teachers, community members, and anyone else interested in helping Muslim students thrive and feel welcomed.
