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Abstract

Colleges and universities are becoming increasingly aware of the need to foster more diverse and inclusive spaces. The present study sought to investigate the effectiveness of Multicultural Education Programs (MEP) at a large research university in the Southeastern United States. Whereas prior research evaluated such programs, none have examined their effect in reducing anti- Muslim sentiment, which has been on the rise since 9/11, and more recently throughout the presidency of Donald J. Trump. Using a quasi-experimental independent group posttest design, students from two groups (MEP and non-MEP) were surveyed to examine the effects of the MEP in reducing anti-Muslim sentiment. The sample consisted of 125 respondents (N = 51 from a group participating in a MEP; and N = 74 from a control group of students who did not participate in a MEP). Data were collected through a survey to measure symbolic threat, realistic threat, and Islamophobia. An independent group-posttest design was used to explore the effectiveness of MEPs and the independent groups’ t test was performed to examine differences in the respondents’ attitudes toward Muslims. Moderate yet significant differences were present between groups, suggesting that the effects of the MEP were positive. A linear regression analysis finds that not participating in a MEP significantly increased a students’ anti-Muslim sentiment. Overall, Respondents engaged in multicultural programs were less likely to perceive Muslims as threats and were less likely to hold Islamophobic views of Muslims than were their peers from the control group.

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