The Texas Chapters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas), the state’s leading Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, welcomes Texas House Representative Salman Bhojani’s filing of House Resolution 85, recognizing March 15th as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia in Texas. 

SEE: House Resolution 85

March 15th marks the anniversary of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand, where 51 Muslim worshippers were murdered in an act of terror. Islamophobia remains a pressing issue, with hate crimes, discrimination, and violence targeting Muslim communities globally and in Texas. The resolution acknowledges alarming incidents in Texas, including the 2017 arson attack on the Victoria Islamic Center and a 2024 hate crime in Euless, where a Muslim woman and her two children were assaulted at a public swimming pool. 

SEE: March 15th: U.S., Global Muslim Groups to Mark UN’s International Day to Combat Islamophobia

SEE: CAIR-Texas Calls for Hate Crime Probe of Alleged Murder Attempt Targeting Two Muslim Children in Euless

SEE: CAIR-Houston Welcomes Conviction of Victoria Mosque Arsonist

CAIR-Houston Director William White stated:
“This resolution sends a strong message that Texas stands against religious discrimination and affirms the rights of all communities to live without fear. Islamophobia is not just an issue for Muslims—it is a threat to the values of religious freedom that Texas prides itself on. By recognizing March 15th as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, we take a critical step toward acknowledging the challenges faced by Muslim Texans and working collectively to ensure safety  and respect for all.”

CAIR-Austin Civic Engagement Organizer Sameeha Rizvi added:
“Recognizing March 15th as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia is a crucial step toward raising awareness and protecting Texas’ Muslim communities. We urge lawmakers to support this resolution and take a firm stand against bigotry.”

CAIR-Texas calls on elected officials and community leaders to support this resolution and advance policies that promote religious freedom and combat Islamophobia across the state. 

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-Houston Executive Director William White, w-white@cair.com, 713-254-2016; 
CAIR-Austin Civic Engagement Organizer Sameeha Rizvi, srizvi@cair.com, 512-893-1371