A Certain Shade of Unique: Experiences of Muslim-American Students at Public High Schools in the United States

Using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), this study explored the unique experiences, needs, challenges, and coping mechanisms of six Muslim-American students attending public high schools in the Midwestern United States. Three distinct themes emerged from the participants’ interviews and artifacts: (a) climate: experiences of school culture, including relationships with the school personnel and peers, engagement with the school culture, and challenges associated with Islamophobia; (b) intersections: experiences with multicultural identities influenced by familial, communal, societal, and political factors; and (c) resilience: experiences with navigating challenges impacted by peer interactions, self-advocacy, and community support. We discuss these themes and offer implications for school counselors to enhance culturally competent practices, advocate for social justice, and foster inclusivity to support the holistic development of Muslim-American students in public schools.