Josh Davey, Justin Johann, Brian Kusnerick, and Sarah Rodriguez

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRS1sB5d7vw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdJtlhpDZzI

Fastest growing ethnic & religious group in the country

Arabic people make up 15% of the world’s Muslim population◦ Muslims make up one-fifth of the world’s population◦ Estimated 6-8 million Muslims in the U.S.

Mostly middle class, well-educated and are “decidedly American in their outlook, values, and attitudes”

# of Muslim immigrants and native-born converts to the Islamic faith has increased recently

Recent immigrants may experience culture shock & feel insecure and lonely◦ All Arab Americans have the potential to feel

alienated because of perceived prejudice & ridicule of their rituals

◦ May display negative feelings as a defense

Not all Arab Americans are Muslims Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, and other

religious groups call the Arab regions home◦ The diverse religious climate that leads to the

current unrest in the Middle East Teachers shouldn’t assume all Arab

Americans practice Islam

Fall prey to different interpretations of their faith

Devote their lives to the Prophet Muhammad, who taught peace and love, studied the teachings of Jesus and his followers and also the beliefs of Jewish teachers

The practice of violence against humans or any creature is condemned and the focus is on peace

Ill treatment is based on local culture & traditions, not on the faith itself◦ Practices such as forced marriage, spousal abuse, and

restricted movement directly contradict Islamic law governing family behavior and personal freedom

Early Muslim women serviced the community through scholarship, teaching, nursing, etc. important activities.

Saudi Arabia: many women are responsible for making major decisions of their household

Many adult Arab women do not receive an education beyond 13 years of age◦ Due to poverty & traditions related to arranged

marriage Many women hold government & community

positions

Islam gives guidance on all aspects of life◦ Public decency

No fixed standard to dress style/type of clothing◦ Modesty standards require a woman to cover the

body in a way that covers their shape Cloth: sufficient thickness to block sight of skin color Same requirement for males: clothing cannot display

outline of body or show skin color Many of today’s P.E. & sport uniforms

violate these rules

Separation of church vs. state = major difference between the United States and many other cultures

Religious freedom-interpreted in the public school policy as a mandate against religious expression to avoid religious oppression for those who feel uncomfortable around religion

Become taboo for teachers to have students engage in religious discussion while in school◦ Led to a fear of open dialogue & barriers to

understanding different cultures

1) Testimony of faith (Shadaadah or Kalima)◦ A profession of faith in pronoucing the words,

“There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His Prophet.”

2) Prayer (Salat)◦ Muslims are required to pray 5 times daily:

first prayer is at dawn second at high noon third during the afternoon fourth after sunset fifth at night

3) Almsgiving (Zakat)◦ Charitable giving (in Saudi Arabia, there is a

ministry of Zakat)

4) Fasting (Sawm)◦ A complete abstention from food, drink, and

sexual intercourse is required from sunrise until sunset during the month of Ramadan

5) Pilgrimage (Haji)◦ Trip to Mecca

Faith in the unity of God Faith in angels Faith in prophets Faith in books of revelation Faith in an afterlife Faith in destiny/devince decree

Q: What challenges did you face in school because of your religion?◦ A: I didn't face any challenges due to my religion

because I practice Islam very liberally.  In my opinion, most people would not be able associate the typical "stereotypes" that are associated with Muslims even if I told them I practiced Islam.

Q: Any in Physical Education specifically?◦ A: Not applicable.

Q: Do you feel that any of your teachers had an understanding of Islamic beliefs and cultures?◦ A: There were a quite a few teachers that had a

very good understanding of Shiite Islamic culture.  However, the ones that were unfamiliar were eager to learn and never discriminated against me based on it.

Q: Did you have to participate in PE during the month of Ramadan?◦ A: I was told I would be excused; however, I chose to

participate as much as I could.  The month of Ramadan is about more than just observing fast, there are a lot of substitutes that can be performed if fasting is not an option.

Q: Was the dress code in school modified to your religion?◦ A: Yes. Though the Muslim men do not observe Hijab

(religious headdress), I had a female friend who was allowed to wear Hijab to school whenever she felt comfortable.

Q: Were you discriminated against during your years of schooling?◦ A: I never felt discriminated against.

Grading policies◦ Dress code

Make sure girls don’t get ridiculed for wearing their head coverings

◦ Ramadan & fasting Being knowledgeable

◦ Knowing when holidays are◦ Basic beliefs

Encourage discussion◦ Inviting, diverse, and inclusive class

Teach games native to their homeland

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzO01t4m3CI

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (2012). Arab American students in public schools. Retrieved from http://www.adc.org/education/arab-american-students-in-public-schools/

Ballincer, D. (2011). So, you’re a Muslim? (not that there’s anything wrong with that): A PETE perspective: Acceptance and inclusion begin with knowledge and understanding.Journal of Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, 82(8). Retrieved from handout.