Free Speech

Texas Terrorism Law Chills Speech for Muslim Group

By labeling this group a terrorist organization, the state is chilling more than Muslims' freedom of expression.

Ryan Curtis | 9.4.2026 4:25 PM

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Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott believes that "civics and leadership education" are necessary to preserve Texas as "the greatest state in the greatest country." However, the governor's own policies are making it harder for some Texas students to receive the civic instruction that Abbott holds in such high regard. 

Last week, Southern Methodist University (SMU) informed the Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) that it could no longer host the group's Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium in September. The conference would bring together high school and college-age Muslim students from across the state for a "day of leadership and civic engagement," and include panels with community leaders, interactive workshops, and a visit to Dallas City Hall. 

In a statement to The Christian Post, Megan Jacob, SMU's director of media relations, said, "the University has determined that permitting the event to take place on campus, given the State of Texas' current designation of the symposium's organizer, is inconsistent with our mission and........

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