Dr. Melanie Adrian

Biography

Melanie Adrian is an Associate Professor in the Department of Law and Legal Studies at Carleton University, holding the Carleton Chair in Teaching Innovation. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo, a Master of Arts from the University of Essex, a second Master of Arts from Harvard University, and a Ph.D. from Harvard University. Her research centers on the rights of religious and ethnic minorities and how states can integrate and accommodate culturally distinct peoples while maintaining a healthy balance between international and national rights. Her forthcoming book, 'Risking Religious Freedom: France, the Veil, and the Right to Faith', argues that France is on a dangerous path regarding the narrow interpretation of human rights, particularly in relation to minority religious freedoms. Melanie's work delves into the intersections of multiculturalism, nationalism, and law, and she has featured in various media and academic discussions surrounding religious rights and self-expression, particularly concerning Muslim communities in Europe and the Americas.

Research Interests