The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-TX), a chapter of the Nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today joined with a number of Dallas–Fort Worth Muslim organizations in calling for an end to the hateful rhetoric and fear-mongering by some Texas politicians.
SEE:The rise of anti-Muslim policies and rhetoric in Texas – PBS
‘It’s solid gold’:Some Texas Republicans ramp up criticisms of Muslims to energize primary voters – CNN
Texas GOP’s Anti-Sharia Crusade:The Dangerous History of State Islamophobia – Dallas Observer
Anti-Muslim rhetoric in Texas politics – Texas Tribune
Muslim Southerners Face a Fresh Wave of Hateful Political Rhetoric – New York Times
Manufacturing the Muslim Threat – Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH)
How anti-Muslim rhetoric has become a focus point for Texas Republicans on the campaign trail – KVUE
Republicansgo all-in on ‘Sharia law’ attacks ahead of Texas primary – Politico
In Texas,a state hearing on social studies becomes a clash of religions – Washington Post
Young Muslims say GOP politicians’ anti-Islam focus is at odds with the Texas they know – Houston Public Media
Under attack by their own congressman – Washington Post
Without a Border ‘Invasion,’Texas G.O.P. Turns to an Old Enemy, Islam – New York Times
The coalition of organizations – including Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), Muslim American Society (MAS-Dallas), Islamic Circle of North America’s Council for Social Justice (ICNA CSJ), Palestinian Youth Movement (PYM), Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP-UTD), Faith Power Alliance, Ahlul Bait Student Association (ABSA), Muslim Alliance for Black Lives (MABL-DFW) – say this hateful fearmongering not only harms Muslim communities, but also creates dangerous real-world consequences by normalizing hostility, intimidation, and potential violence against Muslims in Texas.
In a joint statement, the coalition of groups said:
“This hate-filled rhetoric by some Texas politicians and government leaders is dangerous as it threatens the safety of Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim. It also undermines the values of unity and respect that Texans hold dear. We urge public officials and community leaders to reject bigotry and to instead foster a safer environment for all Texans.
“The DFW Muslim community stands united against hate and calls on elected officials to promote unity, inclusivity and a mutual understanding for a safer, more harmonious Texas. This hateful fearmongering not only harms Muslim communities, but also creates dangerous real-world consequences by normalizing hostility, intimidation, and potential violence against Muslims in Texas.”
A Number of Texas members of Congress are members of the so-called “Sharia-Free America Caucus,” which CAIR has designated as an anti-Muslim hate group.
SEE:Muslim American groups say Republicans are weaponizing congressional hearings – Reuters
In March, CAIR-Texas and CAIR Action Texas condemned the creation of a so-called “anti-Sharia” caucus in the Texas Legislature, saying it is rooted not in reality, but in misinformation and fear that unfairly targets Muslim Texans.
Earlier this month, the Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) today responded to Governor Greg Abbott’s threat to terminate $530,000 in state grants to the City of Grand Prairie. The governor’s ultimatum forced the cancellation of “DFW Epic Eid,” a private community celebration at Epic Waters waterpark.
In March, CAIR-Texas condemned a social media post by U.S. Representative Chip Roy (R-TX) calling for “No more Muslims,” and called on House members to hold him accountable for his blatant violation of the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom.
Join the interfaith call to defend Muslim neighbors and to promote unbiased religious freedom in the United States
Last year, CAIR released an analysis of the fearmongering led by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and anti-Muslim campaigner Amy Mek around a Muslim-led development project, EPIC City. The analysis places the attack in the context of both a continuing tradition of Texas political figures engaging in anti-Muslim actions and a broader national pattern of fearmongering around Muslim-led development projects.
SEE:EPIC Hate in Texas
According to CAIR’s most recent civil rights report, complaints of anti-Muslim bias and discrimination have continued to rise nationwide, reflecting an ongoing pattern of Islamophobia impacting communities across the country.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR encourages community members facing bias or hate incidents to report them to law enforcement and to CAIR.
Report an incident to CAIR:https://www.cair.com/report/
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-DFW Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll, (832) 549-1042, mcarroll@cair.com; CAIR-Texas Civic Engagement Organizer Sameeha Rizvi, 512-893-1371, srizvi@cair.com; Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager, (512) 785-7105, szayan@cair.com; Imran Ghani, CAIR-Houston Operations Manager, ighani@cair.com, 713-922-5270; John T. Floyd, CAIR National Board Member, CAIR-Texas Houston, 713-254-2016, jfloyd@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com