This study investigated the experiences of Muslim Canadian students attending institutions of higher education in the context of increasing Islamophobia. This study utilized qualitative case study methodology to investigate the following questions: (1) What are the experiences of Muslim Canadians attending institutions of higher education in the current context of Islamophobia? (2) How is the rising anti-Muslim sentiment impacting the academic performance of Muslim students? (3) How do Muslim students negotiate or navigate their identities subsequent to recent national and international tragic events (e.g. Paris Attacks, San Bernardino and other terrorist atrocities)? The students' responses resulted in three major themes that included: (a) Islamophobia on Campus; (b) Strong religious identity, and Resisting and challenging Islamophobic sentiments; (c) Gendered Islamophobia. The findings of this research indicate that Muslim students have more attachment to their religious identity, are at the forefront of advocating for Muslims and are actively working to demystify Islamophobic notions.

This study examined Islamophobia in Canadian higher education through the accounts of eight Muslim students in Canadian universities. Qualitative semi-structured interviewing was utilized to investigate how Muslim students report being perceived by faculty, non-Muslim peers, and student service providers. Analysis of interview data yielded six major themes: (1) difficulty in requesting religious accommodations, (2) soft bigotry through low expectations, (3) misrepresentations of Islam in mass media, (4) defensive posturing to combat anti-Muslim sentiment, (5) public emboldening of overt Islamophobia, and (6) resisting and challenging Islamophobic sentiments. The findings of this research indicate that Muslim students experience feelings of marginalization and alienation within higher educational institutions. The respondents articulated the burden of responsibility to take an active role in combatting Islamophobia.

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