The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today designated the University of Texas–Austin as an “institution of particular concern” due to its hostile treatment of Arab, Muslim, Palestinian and anti-Genocide students and protesters.
The University of Texas–Austin joins a growing list of academic institutions that have used repressive measures to silence anti-genocide and pro-Palestinian voices.
Shaimaa Zayan, Operations Manager of CAIR-Austin, said: “As a graduate of UT Austin myself and someone who takes pride in living in Austin, it is disheartening to see the university competing on a negative list. But as a civil rights and free speech advocate, it is both fair and expected! I hope this professional evaluation allows the university leadership to reflect on their biased actions and realign their efforts and resources towards policy changes that align with the constitution and the university’s traditional values.”
William White, Director of CAIR-Houston, added: “The actions taken by the University of Texas – Austin to suppress peaceful, student-led protests undermine the core principles of freedom of speech and assembly. In Texas, we pride ourselves on standing up for what is right, but when our universities choose to shut down voices standing against genocide, we must raise the alarm. No student or faculty member should face institutional hostility for advocating justice.”
In August, CAIR launched its Unhostile Campus Campaign, a project aimed at fostering a campus environment where Palestinian, Muslim, Arab, Jewish, and other students, faculty, and staff opposing the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza enjoy free speech and academic freedom without facing state force or university discipline for their viewpoints. As part of this campaign, CAIR designated UT Austin and two other universities as “institutions of particular concern” for creating a thoroughly hostile environment for anti-genocide students, faculty, and staff.
Mustafaa Carroll, Executive Director of CAIR-Dallas-Fort Worth, echoed these concerns: “The right to protest is a cornerstone of American democracy. When a university as prominent as UT Austin fails to protect this right, it sets a dangerous precedent. The targeting of Muslim and pro-Palestinian voices on campus is unacceptable and part of a larger trend to silence those who speak out against oppression. We stand with those students and faculty in their fight for justice.”
CAIR has filed lawsuits in both Florida and Texas challenging extensive efforts to suppress anti-genocide protests nationwide. In Texas, students have sued the state over executive orders attempting to curtail campus free speech.
Earlier this year, CAIR released ‘Hostile: How Universities Target Anti-Genocide Protesters,’ which detailed unprecedented efforts across the country to suppress students advocating for Palestinian rights.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Contact: Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager 512-785-7105, shaimaa.zayan@cairtx.org, William White, CAIR-Houston Director, 713-254-2016, w-white@cair.com, Mustafaa Carroll, Executive Director, 469-200-0273, muspeaks@gmail.com