Diversity Climate Notes *** WELCOME TO JORDAN

The Diversity Network’s Country Diversity Notes provide readily accessible summaries of country- specific information on potential challenges for students who are from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in study abroad programs. The notes were created to facilitate the ability of study abroad professionals to find a good country fit for prospective study abroad students who are uncertain of how they will be received abroad because of their race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, or disability.

The Jordan diversity note, below, features a country overview as well as information pertinent to the climate of respect that U.S. students of diverse backgrounds can reasonably expect while living in the country. It also offers bulleted information noting facts that may directly relate to student experiences in the country. Links for students to pursue additional information resources on the various topics are also offered.

While the note provides a bird’s-eye view of diversity matters in the country as they pertain to U.S. students, the country information found in the note is not exhaustive. Advisors should use the information contained below in collaboration with faculty and staff who have experience in the particular country, returned study abroad students who are able and feel comfortable to discuss their own observations of diversity in the country, and the advisor’s own knowledge.

COUNTRY OVERVIEW

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan gained independence from British administration (mandated by the League of Nations) in 1946. The kingdom is strategically located at the head of the Gulf of in the Middle East, northwest of Saudi Arabia, between Israel (to the west) and Iraq, and south of . Slightly smaller in size than Indiana, Jordan is the Arab country sharing the longest border with Israel and the occupied West Bank. King Abdallah II assumed power of the constitutional monarchy in 1999 after the death of the country’s longtime ruler and his father, King Hussein (1953-1999). Many Jordanians, especially in light of the recent “Arab Spring”, continue to advocate for further political reforms and economic progress.

The Institute of International Education (IIE) Open Doors report notes that 935 U.S. students participated in education abroad programs in Jordan during the 2012-2013 academic year, a 4.2% decrease from the year prior, situating Jordan as the second most visited country in the Middle East, behind Israel. Students pursue a variety of educational opportunities in Jordan including Arabic language studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Environmental Studies, and International Relations among many others.

Jordan’s economy depends heavily on foreign assistance; due, in part to insufficient natural resources such as water and oil. With one of the smallest economies in the Middle East, the kingdom has struggled for years with high unemployment and poverty rates. As of 2015, Jordan had received more than 600,000 Syrian refugees due to the ongoing conflict and political unrest in that country, further burdening the Jordanian political and economic situation. In January 2014, Jordan assumed a non- permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2014-15 term. ***

ETHNIC MINORITIES IN JORDAN

Potential Considerations for Students of Color

Jordan’s population is primarily Arab. Unlike other Arab states, Jordan does not have significant regional minority populations. Students of color such as Asian-American, Hispanic-American, American Indian, and Arab American students (among other groups) may not be perceived to be U.S. American because of the belief that U.S. Americans have blond hair and blue eyes.

Notes:

• Particularly in urban areas, domestic staff is often of Asian descent (Philippines, Nepal, Sri Lanka). As such, students from Asian backgrounds may be perceived to be from a “lower” class. • The Ghor region, along the border between Jordan and Israel/Palestine, is populated by a regional minority Black Arab population not present in the rest of Jordan. • The government has been known to discourage discussion of Jordan's minority identities, which can be interpreted as threats to the development of Jordan as a unified nation-state. • There have been historical tensions between the “East-Bank” Jordanians and Palestinian Jordanians. • Jordan’s population is primarily Arab with limited regional minority groups.

Additional Links: • Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Jordan for 2013 (See Section on National/Racial/Ethnic Minorities) • Thaddeus Bell on Black Jordanians, Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, & World Affairs *** SEXUAL ORIENTATION IN JORDAN

Potential Considerations for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender Students

While consensual adult homosexual behavior is not a crime in Jordan, public acceptance of homosexuality in this predominantly Muslim country is very low. According to a Pew Research Center Public Opinion Poll conducted in 2013, 97% of those questioned responded “no” to the question,“Should Society Accept Homosexuality?” Furthermore, societal discrimination against LGBT individuals is prevalent in Jordan. Activists report that most LGBT nationals remain “closeted” for fear of negative repercussions and that the government has prevented LGBT persons from establishing an LGBT NGO.

Notes:

• Anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBT individuals do not exist in Jordan. • Discrimination against the LGBT community in housing, employment, and education is common. • Same-sex couples are not officially recognized in Jordanian society. • Although Jordan is generally considered to be a moderate Muslim country, family honor-killings of LGBT individuals are still reported.

Additional Links:

• Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Jordan for 2013 (see section on Societal Abuses, Discrimination, and Acts of Violence Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) • International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission Information by Country, Senegal • LGBT Rights in Jordan, Equaldex • Jordan, GlobalGayz.com *** PHYSICAL DISABILITY IN JORDAN

Potential Considerations for Students with Disabilities Jordan, even within the capital, does not have sufficient accommodations for individuals with physical limitations. Traffic can be chaotic and curbs are often high, complicating travel for those with mobility concerns. Generally speaking, Jordanian law affords equal rights to persons with disabilities but these laws were not generally upheld and lacked implementation processes. Accommodations for students at the primary and secondary levels were not fully accessible in 2013; however, reports indicate that the situation is better at the university level. Specific accommodations should be discussed with the program provider and/or Host University.

Notes:

• On October 26, 2013, the king appointed Dr. Muhannad al-Azzah, who is blind, to the Senate; he is the first visually impaired person to serve as a senator. • According to The Sisterhood Is Global Institute, the forced sterilization of women and girls with intellectual disabilities was a common practice during the year. • Discrimination against visually impaired individuals, specifically within banks, has been reported. • The National Centre for Human Rights (NCHR) reports that the vast majority of disabled individuals in Jordan are economically inactive.

Additional Links:

• Mobility International USA, Resources for Americans Traveling Abroad with Disabilities • Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, International Laws (See Jordan) • Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Jordan for 2013 (see section on Persons with Disabilities)

*** RELIGION IN JORDAN

Potential Considerations for Religious Students

Jordan is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country (approx. 98%) with a small Christian population in addition to a minority of other religious affiliations. While the is , the Jordanian constitution provides for religious freedom with some exceptions. Reports of discrimination against Bahai individuals are common as the Bahai faith is not officially recognized in Jordan. Given the prevalence of religion in daily Jordanian life, Atheist and Agnostic travelers, in particular, may be met with confusion and possibly hostility. Conversations around religion should be approached with caution and discretion. Much of the Jordanian population is Palestinian. Palestinians originally became part of Jordanian society as refugees from a land currently associated with Israel. Relations between Israel and Jordan are complicated. Jewish travelers may be assumed to be “Zionist” or pro-Israel, a position not generally accepted in Jordan. Consequently, travelers with a Jewish background often consider not disclosing this information; or, at the very least carefully considering how this information is communicated and with whom.

Notes:

• State religion is Islam and the constitution states that the king must be Muslim. • Jordanian government prohibits religious practices interpreted to be in conflict with official Sharia Law. • Freedom to practice one’s religion is protected by the Jordanian constitution unless the government deems they violate morality or public order. • Under Sharia law, the government essentially prohibits conversions from the Muslim faith as well as the proselytizing of Muslims. • Marriage between a Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man are not permitted. • The government does not recognize the Druze or the Bahai Faith but allows these to be practiced. • Religious affiliation is required on national identification cards and legal documentation; Atheists and agnostics must associate themselves with a recognized religion for purposes of official identification. • Public schools provide religious Islamic instruction as part of the curriculum; students from other faith backgrounds are permitted to opt out.

Additional Links:

• US Department of State International Religious Freedom Report for 2013, Jordan • Religious Freedom in Jordan, the Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) ***

Potential Considerations for Female Students

Jordan has a traditional, patriarchal society in which women don’t have the same authority or legal standing afforded to men. For women travelers accustomed to living in the U.S., life in Jordan will likely involve less freedoms and independence than in the U.S. It is uncommon, for example, for single women to live or travel alone in Jordan. To avoid persistent questioning and criticism, some women travelers choose to wear a “wedding” ring while in Jordan. In comparison to other Arab Muslim countries, Jordan is considered to be on the more progressive end of the gender equity spectrum. It is important to note that many behaviors generally understood in the U.S. to be “friendly” (smiling and persistent eye contact for example), may be interpreted differently in Jordan and can invite unwanted attention. Women travelers need to be aware of these cultural nuances and prepared to handle them appropriately. Women in Jordan, and other Muslim countries, dress more conservatively than what women might be accustomed to wearing in the U.S. It is advisable for women travelers to dress accordingly out of respect for local customs and to avoid unwanted attention. Head scarves are not needed (unless merited by the heat); however, shoulders and knees (and cleavage) should be covered under most circumstances.

Notes:

• Due to influence from the media and film industry, U.S. women may be perceived to be more promiscuous than Jordanian women. • Women travelers should be cautious when going out, especially at night. It is advisable to go out in a group rather than alone. • Spousal rape is not illegal in Jordan nor does the law explicitly ban domestic violence. • Rape of a woman 15 years or older is an imprisonable offense; however, this was not effectively nor consistently enforced. Reports indicate that abuse against women is widespread. • Sexual harassment and assault are prohibited, but this law is not consistently enforced. Human Rights groups note that women are often hesitant to report crimes of this nature due to societal and cultural pressures to remain silent. • Traditional practices, such as honor crimes, continue in Jordan, particularly in more rural areas. These crimes often include violence, and even murder, against women to “cleanse” the family’s honor for divorce, rape, among other circumstances.

Additional Links:

• Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013 in Jordan (see Section 6 on Women) • 20 Things Women Should Know Before Visiting Jordan, Journeywoman • Women Travellers In The Middle East, Ruth’s Jordan Jubilee (blog) • 7 Packing Tips For Women Traveling To Jordan, The Travel Bite • Women Travellers, Lonely Planet Jordan

*** FAST FACTS: JORDAN

Capital: Population: 7,930,491 Note: Increased estimate reflects revised assumptions about the net migration rate due to the increased flow of Syrian refugees (July 2014 est.) Language(s): Arabic (official), English (widely understood among upper and middle classes) Religions: Muslim 97.2% (official; predominantly Sunni), Christian 2.2% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), Buddhist 0.4%, Hindu 0.1%, Jewish <0.1%, Folk religion <0.1%, Unaffiliated <0.1%, Other <0.1% (2010 est.) Ethnic groups: Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%