A planned “Muslims only” event in Grand Prairie, Texas was abruptly canceled after Texas Governor Greg Abbott threatened to pull half a million dollars in grant money for the city if the event proceeded.
The event was going to take place at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, which is owned by Grand Prairie but operated by a private company. The planned event was a June 1 celebration of Eid, one of the holiest holidays in Islam.
The governor’s office alleges that the city was blatantly discriminating against non-Muslims with the event – and now the backlash is spreading far beyond the borders of this Texas community.
“Muslims Only” Backlash
A local Muslim group had rented out Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in celebration of their third annual “DFW Epic Eid” event, which was initially advertised as a “Muslim only event” on fliers. That language was later changed to read “all are welcome!”, though the updated flier also added a note emphasizing “modest dress only,” with additional guidelines on swimwear for female attendees.
“In response to feedback, we have updated our materials to clearly reflect that this is a modest dress-only event, centered around a respectful and family-friendly environment,” wrote event organizer Dr. Aminah Knight on the group’s website. “So if you are a friend of a different faith who wants to celebrate the Eid holiday with us and adhere to the modest dress code…. this event is FOR YOU TOO!”
Though event organizers changed wording on advertisements, and the city emphasized that the water park is privately managed and is regularly rented out to a variety of groups, backlash spread like wildfire online. Conservative radio host Dana Loesch asked “How is a taxpayer-funded, city-owned entity allowed to discriminate against non-Muslims at a public water park?”
One commenter even asked, “Should we expect a ‘Christians Only’ day?”
It was enough to catch the eye of Texas Governor Greg Abbott - who threatened $530,000 in grant funds to the city if they didn’t shutter the event.
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Is This Religious Discrimination?
Following online backlash, the governor's office sent a letter to Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen, accusing the city of endorsing religious discrimination.
“An event at a city-owned pool that was publicly and indiscriminately advertised as ‘Whites only’ would surely violate the Constitution,” reads the letter. “The same must be true here. Government may not use private organizations as a ‘subterfuge’ to ‘directly or indirectly’ foster illegal discrimination.”
The letter proceeded to threaten city funding to the tune of $530,000 if the event proceeded. Within a week, Grand Prairie canceled the event.
“Disappointed” is how organizer Dr. Aminah Knight described the cancellation, accusing agitators of using the event to sow “division and controversy”.
“What began as a private event for the Muslim community to celebrate Eid in a joyful and modest environment became something much bigger than I ever imagined,” she stated. “When people begin to see their neighbors as foreign or as though they do not belong, it weakens the fabric of our nation.”
What do you think? The city stated that groups – including religious groups – frequently rent out the water park. And event organizers changed the wording on the flyer following backlash. Is it still religious discrimination even if updated to welcome those of all faiths? Or is the initial ‘Muslims only’ invite enough to cancel the event entirely?
Is this a legitimate case of religious discrimination against non-Muslims, or targeted harassment of the Muslim community by Texas officials?
I am a Christian, and I'll be the first to say I am sick and tired of our behavior towards others. I am ashamed of the way we disrespect other religions and cultures. We are not called to fight any battles that aren't ours yet we gleefully throw in our opinions and roadblocks where they are not wanted.
The people of Texas would be better served under the leadership of someone who doesn't wear their faux Christianity like a blanket that gets tossed on or off according to the temperature. Really, Texas, do better. And just to let you know, a Muslim will feed someone no questions asked, as a Christian shakes the moths out of his donation wallet and asks a lifetime of questions as to why can't you feed yourself.