Muslim civil rights organization urges Governor Abbott to ‘focus on our state’s real problems, from harmful data centers to school shootings’

(DALLAS, TX, 8/16/26) – The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) today condemned the “manufactured controversy” over plans to establish an additional washing station at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for Muslim and other travelers as the latest anti-Muslim “political stunt” and a waste of taxpayer resources.

DFW Airport abandoned plans to add additional Islamic foot-washing stations after Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to withhold state funding. FOX 4 Dallas reports: “At least two ablution stations already exist on the post-security side of DFW’s international terminal.”

[NOTE: Wudu is an Islamic ritual of purification that involves washing hands, faces, arms, and feet before prayer.]

In a statement, CAIR-Texas said:

“Of all the manufactured controversies surrounding Texas Muslims, this DFW Airport washing station debate may be the most ridiculous. Unlike forcing biblical readings on public school students and hanging the Ten Commandments in every Texas classroom, the additional washing station at DFW Airport would be a universally-accessible and perfectly legal amenity that would benefit any and all travelers, not just one faith group. It’s no different than the interfaith prayer rooms found at many airports.

“At one of the busiest international airports in the world, such religious accommodations help demonstrate that Texas welcomes and accommodates travelers and investors of all faiths from around the globe.

“Instead of wasting taxpayer resources on this latest anti-Muslim political stunt, Governor Abbott should focus on our state’s real problems under his leadership, from harmful data centers to school shootings to economic inequality to the erosion of religious freedom.”

In 2024, CAIR’s Houston chapter recognized the leadership team at Houston Airports for their forward-thinking initiative in constructing a wudu (ablution) room and prayer facilities at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), one of the first airports in the U.S. to offer such amenities.

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-Austin Director, Shaimaa Zayan, szayan@cair.com, 512-785-7105; CAIR-DFW Executive Director, Mustafaa Carroll, mcarroll@cair.com, 832-549-1042; CAIR-Houston Director, Imran Ghani, ighani@cair.com, 713-922-5270; CAIR Texas Government Affairs and Legislative Manager, Sameeha Rizvi, srizvi@cair.com, 512-893-1371; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com