An Introduction to Arab American Youth

Abstract

Arab Americans are one of the fastest growing groups in the United States. However, literature on this population is scarce. They have historically faced discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping in the United States, especially after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The impact of political injustice and ethnic hate crimes resulting from the attacks on Arab American families have shown to have dire consequences, especially for their children in public schools. After the attacks, Arab American youth in the school system faced discrimination from their peers, teachers, and other school staff. This chapter introduces the impact of discrimination on developmental processes in Arab American adolescents with a focus on the K-12 school system. In the case of Arab American youth, research demonstrates that school environment is, indeed, related to various developmental outcomes. Therefore, educators and school providers must strive to create a positive, inclusive environment for Arab American youth. Educators and school practitioners need to be informed of school climate, its effects on students, and strategies to address school climate. The chapter concludes with a description of each chapter that follows.