Inspiring Muslim Appreciation in the First-Year of College: What Makes a Difference?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine first-year change in appreciative attitudes toward Muslims by non-Muslim students. To this end, we longitudinally assessed 6229 undergraduate students at the beginning and end of their first year in college. We performed a hierarchical linear modeling analysis and found evidence that Muslim appreciation can change as a result of exposure to and participation in the first year in college, specifically through provocative encounters that are adequately supported by administrative practices designed for helping students interact productively. Implications are discussed.

Islamophobia in higher education environments

“…Finally, a barrier to addressing Islamophobia and other forms of religious‐based bigotry through laws and policies boils down to the simplistic understanding of the separation of church and state (Shaheen et al., 2022). Educators and policymakers should be reminded that the separation of church and state, as articulated in the First Amendment, also ensures the free exercise of religion—the two clauses and concepts should go hand in hand (Combs, 2018).…”

“…Formalized campus activities that foreground interfaith engagement attenuate Islamophobia and enhance attitudes toward Muslims. Examples of these activities include attending a religious service for a religious tradition that is not your own, living in an interfaith living‐learning community, and attending a lecture or panel discussing religious diversity or interfaith cooperation (see Shaheen et al., 2022 for a full list of activities). These engagement opportunities are ideal for equipping students with interfaith literacies and allowing students to have facilitated difficult conversations with other members of the campus community.…”