Counting MENA In

Project Title

Counting MENA In: Middle Eastern and North African American Community Experiences at MSU

Project Description

The US government has proposed adding a Middle East and North African (MENA) category to the new race and ethnic question on the 2030 census form. Click here to see the proposed list of ethnic and racial categories. MENA is an ethno-regional category that includes people who identify as Arab, Chaldean, Turkish, Imazighen, Kurdish, Persian, Armenian, and Turkman, among others. The peoples of this region are predominantly Muslim, but include Christians and members of other religions. 

Michigan is home to some of the largest, oldest, and most vibrant MENA communities in the nation. Many members of these communities have long-standing ties to MSU. The MSU administration, including those offices concerned with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, however, know little about them. How many members of the campus community identify in some way as MENA American? What are their roles and positions within the University? What are their areas of research and study? What are their needs and aspirations? What are their impressions of the campus climate, and what experiences do they have of inclusion or marginalization during their time at MSU? What can the University do to enhance their sense of belonging on campus?

At present, Michigan State University follows the US government’s classification of MENA Americans as “White.” As a result, there is no direct way to count members of this group based on the university’s collection of faculty, staff or student data. Not only does this hide disparities, inequalities and challenges faced by MSU’s MENA American populations on campus, it also renders invisible their many contributions to MSU and its future as a world class University in the service of all who call our state home. 

Our team is developing a survey instrument to be delivered to MENA American communities on campus, to be followed up with a series of focus group sessions with students, faculty and staff. We aim to collect basic demographic data on these groups, and to understand their place, roles and experiences on campus. Particular attention will be paid to their understanding of their own identities (identification) and to their experience of having identities ascribed to them (ethnic or racial prejudices).

To what extent do they feel welcomed or experience exclusion based upon their actual or ascribed identities? How do these experiences manifest in different campus spaces, such as classrooms, dormitories, dining halls, administrative offices, or faculty meetings? How might an understanding of these experiences help the University develop a nuanced awareness of the contributions these communities make to the MSU community? Furthermore, how might the collection of such information empower the University in developing effective strategies to help these communities overcome challenges they face, and improve their standing in terms of inclusion and equity? 

If you are interested in learning more about this project, please contact me.