Racialization of Muslim Students in Australia, Ireland, and the United States: Lessons for Educational Leaders

• In Event: Leadership From the Margins: Pushing the Contextual Boundaries of Social Justice Scholarship, Policy, and Practice

Abstract

This qualitative cross-cultural case study sought to better understand how Muslim students living in Australia, Ireland, and the United States navigated racism to identify ways in which school leaders can better address the roots of racial injustice. Data collection was guided by a shared interview protocol that asked questions regarding family background, personal interests, identity, and friendships, specifically focusing on student experiences of anti-Muslim racism in secondary schools. Findings suggested that Muslim students navigated racialization by (de)constructing their Muslimness, seeking voice, navigating between inclusion and exclusion, and responding to hate. This paper contributes to the burgeoning literature exploring anti-Muslim racialization and makes a foundational empirical cross-cultural contribution with its identification of essential leadership practices to address anti-Muslim racism.

Authors

• Melanie Carol Brooks, Edith Cowan University

• Miriam Deborah Ezzani, Texas Christian University

• Youcef Sai

• Fida Sanjakdar, Monash University