(AUSTIN, TEXAS – 04/24/2024) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations chapter in Austin (CAIR-Austin) today condemned Texas law enforcement for “unnecessary and excessive force” used to arrest student advocates calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and urged police to de-escalate the situation.

The recent arrests of peaceful demonstrators exercising their right to protest against violence in the Middle East are deeply concerning and raise serious questions about the protection of free speech and assembly.

Fayyaz Shah, Board Chair of CAIR Austin, said: “In a democratic society, the right to peacefully protest and express dissenting opinions is fundamental. The use of large numbers of heavily armed law enforcement officers to arrest student activists advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza represents a troubling suppression of these rights. Law enforcement must exercise restraint and respect the rights of protesters.”

“Law enforcement agencies must prioritize de-escalation tactics and dialogue when dealing with peaceful demonstrations,” said Shaimaa Zayan, Operations Manager of CAIR Austin. “Sending in a massive armed police force to arrest students advocating for peace sends the wrong message and only exacerbates tensions further. We call on authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with protesters and protect their right to assemble peacefully.”

CAIR Austin stands in solidarity with all individuals advocating for an end to violence and bloodshed in Gaza and urges authorities to respect the rights of protesters. The organization remains committed to defending civil liberties and promoting justice for all communities.

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.            

END

CONTACT: Shaimaa Zayan Operations Manager CAIR Austin,(512) 785-7105,  szayan@cair.com, Mustafaa Carrol, Executive Director CAIR DFW, mcarrol@cair.com, William White, Director CAIR-Houston, w-white@cair.com , 713-254-2016

WATCH THE VIDEO.

The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) vehemently condemns Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA44, branding it as an unconstitutional overreach and a direct affront to the principles of free speech and academic freedom. This executive order, under the guise of combating antisemitism, dangerously encroaches upon the rights of students and university communities to engage in open dialogue and express their political views freely.

Mustafa Carroll, Executive Director of CAIR-DFW, stated, “As an organization committed to defending civil liberties and promoting justice for all, we stand in staunch opposition to Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA44. This order not only undermines the principles of free speech and academic freedom but also perpetuates a harmful narrative that equates criticism of Israeli policies with antisemitism.”

Carroll continued, “It is crucial to recognize that advocating for Palestinian rights and criticizing the actions of the Israeli government are not inherently antisemitic. Students must be allowed to express their opinions and engage in robust debates on complex geopolitical issues without fear of reprisal or censorship.”

William White, Director of CAIR-Houston, remarked, “Governor Abbott’s executive order represents a clear violation of the First Amendment rights guaranteed to all citizens, including students and faculty on university campuses. By mandating punitive measures against student groups advocating for Palestinian rights, such as the Palestine Solidarity Committee and Students for Justice in Palestine, the Governor is effectively silencing dissenting voices and stifling legitimate political discourse.”

White continued, “Furthermore, the broad and vague language used in the executive order, coupled with its directive to include a specific definition of antisemitism, risks chilling speech that is critical of the policies and actions of the Israeli government. It is essential to differentiate between criticism of a government’s policies and discrimination against individuals based on their religion or ethnicity.”

“We urge Governor Abbott to rescind this executive order and instead work towards fostering an environment on university campuses that promotes diversity, inclusion, and respectful debate,” White concluded.

CAIR-Texas emphasizes that addressing acts of discrimination and harassment, including antisemitism, should be pursued through inclusive dialogue, education, and community engagement rather than through heavy-handed mandates that undermine the fundamental principles of academic freedom and free speech.

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.

END

CONTACT: For media inquiries, please contact: William White, Director, CAIR-Houston, 713-254-2016, Mustafaa Carroll, Executive Director, CAIR-DFW

WATCH THE VIDEO.

WATCH THE VIDEO.

WATCH THE VIDEO.