PHOENIX – Many Muslim women at Arizona State University say they feel safe showing their faith on campus, yet still choose to keep certain practices private to avoid stares or questions.
Muslim women say they rarely face direct discrimination, but many describe subtle assumptions, visible minority status and growing anxiety fueled by national rhetoric targeting Middle Eastern and Muslim communities.
Diana Usmanova, a sophomore at ASU’s West Valley Campus, said she has never faced negative behavior tied to her “religion, clothing, or the language [she] speaks,” adding that the West campus’ diversity “enhances [her] sense of belonging.”…