Muslim Students’ Religious and Cultural Experiences in the Micro-publics of University Campuses in NSW, Australia

Abstract

ABSTRACTAlthough there is much research about the growing ethnic and religious diversity on university campuses across the world, relatively little is known about the religious and cultural experiences of Muslim students on university campuses in Australia. We focus upon the micro-publics of university campuses to investigate these experiences. We draw upon an analysis of a survey that was completed by 324 Muslim students who were studying at universities in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Our analysis points to the diversity of the Muslim student population and their commitment to diversity on campus. In these ostensibly secular environments, religiosity was not curtailed. Discrimination was reported within an education setting, and there were concerns about haram activity (alcohol consumption). Despite the divisive power of religious belief there was broad acceptance of sharing space. A pro-diversity sensibility has emerged within these post-secular micro-publics.