Decolonizing the Academy: Political Activism in the Shadow of Genocide

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Thursday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Pro-Palestinian Education (Table 8)

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of Muslim students, educators, and staff in American educational settings amidst ongoing violence against Palestinians and suppression of academic freedom. Using MusCrit and narrative inquiry, it amplifies the voices of 13 participants, revealing their struggles against institutional silence and complicity. The research exposes tensions between professional survival and ethical imperatives, highlighting how colonial mindsets perpetuate oppression within academia. By uncovering the intersections of Islamophobia, racism, and political repression, this study calls for a radical reimagining of educational spaces. It challenges institutions to move beyond performative allyship towards genuine solidarity, advocating for the decolonization of educational research and practice. Ultimately, it aims to transform academia into a site of resistance against global injustices.

Author

• Noor Ali, Northeastern University