Critical race theory analysis of the experiences of discrimination of Moroccan Muslim migrant students in their Spanish schools from their mothers’ perspectives

Recently, there has been an increase in anti-Muslim sentiment in Western societies which permeates educational systems and classrooms. Muslim migrant students face discrimination, racism and Islamophobia in their schools, which affects them negatively and discourages their involvement. This study aims to analyse Moroccan Muslim migrant mothers’ perceptions of the discrimination experiences of their children in their Spanish schools; and identify the protection strategies these mothers and their children use against discrimination. A qualitative methodology based on the Critical Race Theory is adopted. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were undertaken with a total of 14 participants. These students face racism and Islamophobia in their educational experiences, often perpetuated by their teachers or peers. Their families also face this discrimination in and outside the school and develop strategies to protect themselves. There is still a need for interventions and the development of specific policies that build more inclusive educational settings.