The Critical Muslim Education Research (CMER) Special Interest Group (SIG) provides a scholarly home for researchers, educators, and practitioners committed to advancing justice-oriented, decolonial, and critical perspectives on Muslim education. The SIG seeks to center Muslim epistemologies and experiences that have been historically marginalized within educational research. We aim to foster collaborative inquiry into how faith, identity, equity, and belonging intersect in education systems globally.
The CMER SIG exists to:
• Create a scholarly space for research and dialogue around Muslim educational experiences. • Amplify Muslim voices and perspectives in educational theory, policy, and practice. • Encourage collaboration among scholars from diverse disciplines who engage with Muslim education through critical and intersectional frameworks. • Support mentorship, networking, and publication opportunities for emerging and established scholars. • Challenge deficit narratives and promote research that contributes to equity and justice in education.
Our members conduct and support research related but not limited to:
• Muslim identity formation and representation in educational contexts • Anti-Muslim Bias , discrimination, and equity in schools and higher education • Islamic pedagogy, curriculum, and leadership • Intersectionality, race, and gender in Muslim educational studies • Muslim epistemologies and critical Muslim scholarship (MusCrit) • Decolonial and anti-oppressive methodologies in educational research
Chair: Dr. Noor Ali - Northeastern University
Co-Chair: Dr. Amaarah DeCuir - American University
Secretary/ Treasurer: Dr. Fatıma Şeyma Kızıl - Ministry of National Education, Republic of Türkiye
Graduate Student Engagement Chair: Khadija Zogheib – Florida State University
Senior Scholar Engagement Chair: Dr. Melanie Brooks – Edith Cowan University (Australia)
Communications Co-Chairs: Dr. Ibrahim Kizil – Syracuse University; Dr. Marwa Al Khamees, California State University-Sacramento
Events Co-Chairs: Dr. Ambereen Khan-Baker – American University; Dr.Wesam Salem – University of Memphis
Joining CMER SIG connects you with a growing network of scholars and educators dedicated to critical Muslim educational research. As a member, you will have opportunities to: • Present and discuss your research at AERA’s annual conference • Participate in webinars, mentorship initiatives, and collaborative projects • Engage in scholarly dialogue that challenges Anti-Muslim Bias and advances educational justice • Contribute to building an inclusive intellectual community that values Muslim perspectives
• Annual Business Meeting: Held during the AERA Annual Conference (open to all members) • Webinar Series: Featuring emerging and senior scholars discussing current research on Muslim education • Graduate Mentorship Program: Supporting early-career researchers and graduate students in Muslim education research
Follow us for updates and event announcements: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalmuslimedresearch
• AERA Page: https://www.aera.net/SIG188/Critical-Muslim-Education-Research
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14603916/
• Website: http://www.muscrit.com/critical-muslim-education-research.html
For inquiries or collaboration opportunities, please reach out to: Email: criticalmuslimed@gmail.com