Religious Minorities and the Graduate School Experience

This chapter examines challenges facing graduate students who are broadly-defined religious minorities. We examine prevailing concerns including dietary accommodations, socialization, and cultural and holiday/calendar differences. Within political science specifically, students may need to navigate representing/defending their religion, especially if colleagues study their religion. Religious minorities may face discrimination as well as outright harassment and assault. Students should feel empowered to advocate for their rights and respectful treatment. Graduate school may also have certain socialization norms that are counter to the beliefs of certain religions, such as centering socialization around alcohol. We provide several recommendations about using university resources, establishing boundaries, and proactively advocating for your religious needs. We conclude with best practices for all graduate students that will foster inclusion and respect. This manuscript is part of Strategies for Navigating Graduate School and Beyond, a forthcoming volume for those interested in pursuing graduate education in political science (Fall 2022 publication).