Assistant professors contribute to journal special edition

Two University of North Georgia (UNG) assistant professors in the College of Education contributed to a special edition of "Thresholds in Education" titled "Teaching About Islam in U.S. Schools" this summer.

In addition to writing one of the five articles, Dr. Natasha Hakimali Merchant served as guest editor for the publication and wrote the introduction. Dr. Kelly Henderson contributed an article to the journal, as well.

Merchant's article "When Exposure Falls Short: Islamophobia Beyond Islam" contends that simply exposing people to "the basics" of Islam doesn't quell their prejudice against Muslims.

Henderson's article "'Contingent Beings: On White Supremacy and An Islamic Framework" suggests Islam's history of combating racism and xenophobia offers new ways for scholars to approach solutions to current problems.

"Hopefully it expands our thinking across the board," Henderson said.

Merchant was grateful to lead the project that addresses these issues from an educational perspective.

"Education, including religious literacy, has a direct impact on the health of our democracy," Merchant said. "This special issue is an important contribution to that conversation."