ERIC Number: ED647095
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 206
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 979-8-8417-6843-2
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Muslim Students and Campus Administrators Responses to Microaggressions and Discrimination
Sabeen Sheikh
ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Hofstra University
The purpose of this dissertation was to gain an understanding of Muslim college students and campus administrators' responses to microaggressions that occur on college campuses. This study examined what were the reporting behaviors of Muslim college students when encountering microaggressions and discrimination. This study also sought to understand how campus administrators respond to reports or observations of microaggressions and explore the availability and knowledge of resources and policies to support Muslim college students' needs. This study was guided by the following research questions: (1) How do Muslim college students respond when they experience microaggressions on campus? (2) What are university administrators' and faculty' experiences and responses when becoming aware or observing microaggressions of Muslim college students? To address these research questions, this study's research approach involved a case study with elements of grounded theory. The key findings supported the literature on microaggressions and harassment and all Muslim students in this study experienced microaggressions. The impacts of microaggressions impacted their reporting behaviors. There was a plethora of policies/resources for Muslim college students, but the staff was the only ones that had awareness. Students did not have awareness of the policies and reporting procedures neither did the faculty. Students did not report experiences of microaggressions and discrimination because of fear of retaliation from their faculty due to power dynamics and the previous experiences with the university not responding favorably to reporting from students. Administrators were aware of this but there was no action taken on campus. The lack of education and awareness is a campus culture issue and one that all within the institution are aware of. Leadership implications include students not reporting, and administrators being aware of this phenomenon. Higher education leaders play an integral role in making students feel included, but their efforts are not targeted at the Muslim students on campus. Leaders should be encouraged to review and develop campus policies, campus culture, and resources/support that promote the well-being of all students. Leaders also need to consider and be mindful of Muslim college students' safety and reflect on how their behaviors may be impacting these safety concerns. Focused outreach efforts on Muslim college students require proactive rather than reactive action. Students attributed a lot of the discrimination to ignorance, lack of education, and exposure to diverse peers and students. However, the faculty participants shared that there is resistance to going to training from those that need it the most. Training, and educational initiatives for all of campus, but especially faculty, and staff need to be at the forefront of changing the experiences of Muslim college students. Equal and consistent support for Muslim college students, such as halal food options, and accommodations for religious observances in the classroom and residential halls would benefit all. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Muslims, College Students, Administrators, Aggression, Social Bias, Religious Discrimination, Responses, Experience, College Environment
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A