The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-TX) strongly condemn the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for shutting down the Texas Capitol grounds just days ahead of a planned protest against Israel’s genocide in Gaza. This action directly undermines the constitutional right to free speech and peaceful assembly.

In a statement, CAIR-Dallas Fort Worth Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll said: 

“The shutdown of Capitol grounds is a blatant attempt to suppress free speech. The right to protest and voice dissent is fundamental to our democracy. This decision by DPS is an alarming infringement on our First Amendment rights.”

CAIR-Houston Director William White said: 

“Governor Abbott’s actions are a clear attempt to stifle free speech, particularly pro-Palestinian voices. Shutting down public spaces just days before our planned protest is an unacceptable abuse of power and a direct attack on our constitutional rights.”

CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan said:

“This continuous censorship of pro-Palestinian voice is unacceptable. On Tuesday May 14th, TX senate discussed limiting the college students’ freedom of speech inviting single-sided attesters. However, more than 200 public testimonies were favoring the students’ first amendment right. It is clear that our officials do not represent their people”

Sarwat Hussain, CAIR San Antonio Board Chair said: 

“Gov Abbott blatant attempt to crackdown on lawful Palestinians and people of all faiths voices, who are seriously concerend for continuous genacide in Gaza. By trying to shut down the State Capitol ground, is not going to work anymore. It is a blatant attack on people constitutional rights for a peaceful protest”.

Governor Abbott’s Executive Order 44, which aims to suppress pro-Palestinian free speech, is already under legal challenge by CAIR. This latest move by Texas DPS to shut down the Capitol grounds is a clear and disturbing effort to further restrict the rights of Texans to express their views and assemble peacefully.”

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

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CONTACT: William White, Director, CAIR Houston, 713-254-2016, w-white@cair.com; Mustafaa Carroll, Executive Director, CAIR DFW, mcarroll@cair.com