Chapter 1. Introduction: Setting the Theoretical Framework.- Chapter 2. The Social Construction of the Other: Invisibility and Surveillance.- Chapter 3. Islamophobia; Discrimination and Microaggressions.- Chapter 4. Islamophobia Veiled as Impostorism.- Chapter 5. Voice and Belonging.- Chapter 6. Acceptance and Resistance: The Construction of Lived Realities.- Chapter 7. Dismantling Disinformation and Stereotypes

"This powerful volume gives voice to female Muslim students as they articulate their varied experiences within the landscape of equity, belonging and marginalization in higher education. Using narrative inquiry, Drs. Gossai and Rafie elicit stories that reveal the women’s experience of being “othered” and excluded. As one student notes, “In wider society, we are seen as not westernized enough. In the Muslim community, we are seen as too westernized. It’s like we don’t have any judgment-free zones; we’re outsiders no matter what.” These women not only reflect on their experiences but also seek to dismantle generalizations about Muslim women as a monolithic entity. Their stories are deeply moving, and this study fosters the nuanced understanding that true inclusivity requires." 
—J.K. Daniels, Dean, Inclusive Excellence, Northern Virginia Community College

"With its focus on the experiences of Muslim women college students, this book makes an important contribution to discussions of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher educational settings. Importantly, through their ‘personal narratives’ methodological approach, Rafie and Gossai allow Muslim women’s voices to take center stage and be heard clearly and powerfully. Higher educational administrators and leaders seeking to understand, and improve, the college experiences of minoritized students would be well-advised to listen." 
—Nicole Karapanagiotis, Chair, Department of Philosophy and Religion, Rutgers University​

This ethnographic study explores the lived experiences and challenges felt by Muslim female students in higher education in the greater District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area. It offers narrative case studies as a form of narrative inquiry based on stories of lived experience as a means of capturing dynamic, didactic, and dialectic understandings to promote and enable needed change in higher education. In centering the voices of Muslim female students, this research goes beyond the narrow statistical representation of predefined categories to examine and present the systematic nature and roots of social prejudice.

Zahra Rafie is Professor of Sociology at Northern Virginia Community College, USA. 

Hemchand Gossai is Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Northern Virginia Community College, USA.

"​This powerful volume gives voice to female Muslim students as they articulate their varied experiences within the landscape of equity, belonging and marginalization in higher education. Using narrative inquiry, Drs. Gossai and Rafie elicit stories that reveal the women’s experience of being “othered” and excluded. As one student notes, “In wider society, we are seen as not westernized enough. In the Muslim community, we are seen as too westernized. It’s like we don’t have any judgment-free zones; we’re outsiders no matter what.” These women not only reflect on their experiences but also seek to dismantle generalizations about Muslim women as a monolithic entity. Their stories are deeply moving, and this study fosters the nuanced understanding that true inclusivity requires." (J.K. Daniels, Dean, Inclusive Excellence, Northern Virginia Community College)

"This work gives voice to the voiceless and…brings to light the poignant storiesof the Muslim women students…within the landscape of American higher education, we see these young women pulled in different directions as they experience and challenge current notions of equity, belonging and marginalization.  Their poignant stories underline the atmosphere of pervasive anti-Muslim sentiment and their exposure to “othering” and exclusion.  As they reflect on their experiences, the reader is challenged to question their generalizations about Muslim women as a monolithic entity.  Instead, we see them as vibrant, energetic young people, engaged in an ongoing quest for equity and belonging for all students…This study will provide guidance to institutions and communities of higher education on how to become actively inclusive and to practice the qualities of sensitivity, empathy, compassion and kindness." (Sarah Alfadl, Chair/Founder, KARAMAH: Muslim Women for Human Rights)

"This book addresses an important lacuna in the area of diversity, equity, and inclusion research.…It addresses an important and specific problem facing Muslim women and girls in the US, namely that of racism and discrimination in the field of education.  It lays bare the effect of such environment on their social and intellectual growth, as well as their ability to excel in a hostile environment. The story is told not by a spectator, but rather by authors who lived that experience.  The interviewed women are allowed to speak in their own voice without any interference.  The stories show the deep pain experienced by these women and girls.  More importantly, it shows how their painful experiences affect not only their performance at school, but their very self-esteem and their confidence in their ability to succeed, let alone excel….The authors have identified an important problem affecting the future of the Muslim community.  We need to start addressing it without delay at schools, parental meetings, and by all otherconstructive methods, so that no child will be scarred or left behind in, or because of, our schools." (Azizah al-Hibri, Professor Emerita of Law, University of Richmond. Founder, KARAMAH: Muslim Women for Human Rights)

"With its focus on the experiences of Muslim women college students, this book makes an important contribution to discussions of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher educational settings. Importantly, through their ‘personal narratives’ methodological approach, Rafie and Gossai allow Muslim women’s voices to take center stage and be heard clearly and powerfully. Higher educational administrators and leaders seeking to understand, and improve, the college experiences of minoritized students would be well-advised to listen." (Nicole Karapanagiotis, Chair, Department of Philosophy and Religion, Rutgers University)

"This study, through interviews of Muslim women students in the DC/MD/VA metro area, highlights theexperiences many Muslim women face in the midst of their education, including hate crimes, dehumanization and criminalization. These women also express their love of education and use it as a potent tool of transformation. …Studies like this are critically important to give voice to Muslim women’s concerns and to develop meaningful strategies to create a radically inclusive & just society." (Alison Kysia, Creator of 99 Clay Vessels: The Muslim Women Storytelling Project and the Challenge Islamophobia Project)

"In “Female Muslim Student Experiences in Higher Education”, Dr. Zahra S.A. Rafie and Dr. Gossai take you on a transformative journey, delving into the lived experiences of Muslim women in Western societies. Through personal stories and collective narratives, this book dismantles prevailing stereotypes, highlights the intersectionality of race, culture, and socioeconomic status, and emphasizes theneed to recognize individual agency within the diverse Muslim community. By shedding light on Islamophobia, discrimination, and microaggressions,  Dr. Zahra S.A. Rafie and Dr. Gossai advocate for policy changes that create inclusive educational environments, fostering respect for marginalized students and confronting biases. This study is a call to action, inviting readers to value and listen to the narratives of marginalized individuals. It inspires the creation of classrooms and societies that promote belonging, justice, and equity. Engage with "Invisible Voices" and become part of the transformative movement towards a more inclusive and compassionate world, where the power of each individual's story is recognized and celebrated." ( Rasoul Naghavi, Ph.D. Islamic Studies, Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, Georgetown University)

Captures the multi-racial, ethnic, cultural experiences of female Muslim students living in the US Employs narrative inquiry to illustrate students' experiences in school Explores 'othering' and the impact of stereotyping from individual and institutional perspectives

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