An Intersectional Analysis of the Experiences of Muslim Students After the 2016 Presidential Election
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DIVERSITY AND EXCLUSION: AN INTERSECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE EXPERIENCES OF MUSLIM STUDENTS AFTER THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION by Aneesa A. Baboolal A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the University of Delaware in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology Spring 2019 © 2019 Baboolal All Rights Reserved DIVERSITY AND EXCLUSION: AN INTERSECTIONAL ANALYSIS OF THE EXPERIENCES OF MUSLIM STUDENTS AFTER THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION by Aneesa A. Baboolal Approved: ______________________________________________ Karen F. Parker, Ph.D. Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Approved: ______________________________________________ John Pelesko, Ph.D. Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Approved: ______________________________________________ Douglas J. Doren, Ph.D. Interim Vice Provost for Graduate and Professional Education I certify that I have read this dissertation and that in my opinion it meets the academic and professional standard required by the University as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Signed: ______________________________________________ Chrysanthi S. Leon, Ph.D. Professor in charge of dissertation I certify that I have read this dissertation and that in my opinion it meets the academic and professional standard required by the University as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Signed: ______________________________________________ Susan L. Miller, Ph.D. Member of dissertation committee I certify that I have read this dissertation and that in my opinion it meets the academic and professional standard required by the University as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Signed: ______________________________________________ Eric Rise, Ph.D. Member of dissertation committee I certify that I have read this dissertation and that in my opinion it meets the academic and professional standard required by the University as a dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Signed: ______________________________________________ Rosemary Barberet, Ph.D. Member of dissertation committee ACKNOWLEDGMENTS It really does take a village, and as someone who started out in life in a small village (Bamboo Settlement #3) on the tiny Caribbean island of Trinidad, I know just how complex villages can be. First, I am grateful for all of the barriers the prepared me to better face the challenges on my path to the PhD. Next, thank you to my family, my parents: Annette and Seebran, for migrating to America to start a new life, were it not for that leap of faith, I would not be where I am today. My aunts, Chailo and Shanti, for playing a critical role in my upbringing, for teaching me independence, and perseverance in the face of injustice, and my cousin, Carol, for always believing that I had some special talent. Thank you to Mrs. Anita DiNaro (John Adams High School, Ozone Park, Queens) who always believed I was destined for something more, supported me even after I dropped out, and made sure I went to college. To the professors at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) who redefined my path in life, thank you for showing me another way. First, I am forever indebted to Dr. Rosemary Barberet, for always being an inspiration, for her long-time commitment to my success, both personally and professionally, including encouraging my eventual pursuit of citizenship, and serving on my dissertation committee. It's been a long road and I could not have imagined it with anyone else as my mentor. Thank you to Dr. S. Ernest Lee, Jr., my Mcnair Program Associate Director, for his support over the past decade, Dr. Carmen Solis for her encouragement and belief in my first research project on violence iv against women in my community, Dr. Mangai Natarajan for her influence and high standards, and Dr. Gail Garfield who has always cheered for me! My journey has also been shaped by my experiences at the University of Alabama and for that I am thankful for crossing paths with Dr. Jennifer Shoaff, who showed me that my lived experiences and who I am matters; a lesson I will forever carry. Dr. Ariane Prohaska, for her support during difficult times, Dr. Tina Thomas for her friendship, and Keisha Wilson, for always being there and never letting me forget that distance does not matter. It would also be remiss to not thank Drs. Natalie Adams, Celia Lo, Sara Childers, and Ida Johnson, for making sure I was successful in my pursuit of my Master's degree. At the University of Delaware, I must first thank Dr. Karen F. Parker for bringing me to UD. Dr. Susan L. Miller for her gentle nudging over the years that kept me on track and also for serving on my committee. My success would not have been possible without a support system that included Dr. Anne Bowler, whose kind words have always meant the world to me; Dr. Maria S. Johnson, for being herself when I needed her the most, and more recently, Dr. Eric Rise, for stepping up to the task every time I needed him. Thank you to Drs. Asia Friedman, Ann Bell, and Cresean Hughes for just listening when I needed to be heard. I can never thank Dr. Chrysanthi Leon enough; initially my assigned mentor, then my advisor, ally, sometimes therapist, and always friend. To Santhi, I attribute not just my professional success but knowing her has also made me a better person. A student can only be so lucky to find a selfless mentor that can see their potential long before anyone else does. Santhi gave me all that I never knew I needed to reach my potential and I can v only hope to pay it forward. Who I am today and what I have been able to achieve is a direct result of who she is, and for that, I am forever grateful. I am also lucky to have met Dr. Corey Shdaimah and benefited from her kindness and long-distance support. This dissertation, degree, and my success would not be possible without my friends and colleagues over the years. First, I am grateful for Nafisah Ali, though she may not know it, she has always been my inspiration; seeing myself through her eyes has made a difference in my life. To Jim, who has walked this path with me, not just the longest, but the closest, thank you. I am so grateful that the Shireys brought me into their lives and shared their endless light and love. Thank you for being just what I needed in this world. Finally, to Dr. TaLisa J. Carter and future Dr. Ava Carcirieri, I could not have imagined traveling this path with anyone else - your friendship means everything to me. Thank you for always showing up, being understanding, and pushing me to grow. I also owe appreciation to myself, specifically, the person I was before, for believing in this future, and in manifesting dreams that were far outside of the scope of sheltered immigrant girls from disadvantaged neighborhoods. And last, but not least, thank you to my Taani, for keeping me sane, loving me unconditionally, and reminding me about the simple joys of life. With that, I am forever indebted to all that have made it possible for me to become Dr. Baboolal. vi DEDICATION This dissertation is dedicated to the Muslim men and women who trusted me with their stories. Your resilience is inspiring. I am grateful to have met all of you. This dissertation is also dedicated to the non-profit organizations working tirelessly and courageously to combat Islamophobia and support marginalized communities. Thank you for standing on the frontlines, working to improve society for all of us, and inspiring research that matters. vii TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………………… xii ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………….xiii Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………… 1 Purpose of Research…………………………………………………………………… 9 Theoretical Framework: Intersectionality ……………………………………………. 12 Significance of the Research…………………………………………………………. 15 Overview of the Dissertation…………………………………………………………. 17 2 LITERATURE REVIEW ……………………………………………………………. 20 Post 9/11 Islamophobia ……………………………………………………………… 20 Muslim Communities in the Aftermath of 9/11……………………………………… 22 Racialization of Muslims…………………………………………………………... 25 The Impact of 9/11 on Muslim Women ……………………………………………28 Gender, Race and Religious Identity ……………………………………………… 33 Racial/Ethnic, Religious, & Immigrant Minorities in the Trump Era …………….. 36 Muslim Students on Campus in the US …………………………………………… 41 The Black Muslim Experience ………………………………………………………. 46 Student Identities: Being Black or Being Muslim? ………………………………….. 47 Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………… 49 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ……………………………………………………. 51 Research Setting: Site I: Mid-Atlantic State University (PWI) …………………… 56 Population at Mid-Atlantic State University (PWI) ………………………………. 58 Sample and Recruitment Strategy for Pilot Study at PWI ………………………… 63 Data Collection Method: Pilot Study: Open-Ended Questionnaire at Mid-Atlantic State University (PWI) ……………………………………………………………. 65 viii PWI Pilot Study Respondent Demographic Characteristics ………………………. 66 PWI Pilot Study Findings …………………………………………………………. 67 Data Collection Method: Research Site I: Mid-Atlantic State University (PWI) ….68 Sample and Recruitment Strategy for Interviews at Research Site I (PWI)……….. 69 Research Setting: Site II: Mid-Atlantic State University (HBCU)…………………… 73 Population at Mid-Atlantic State University (HBCU) …………………………….. 73 Sample and Recruitment Strategy at Mid-Atlantic State University (HBCU) ……. 74 Difficulties Related to Acquiring Participation/Data at PWI and HBCU ………….74 Researcher Reflexivity: Researcher Impact