Outrage in Texas over Muslim Pool Party at Publicly-Owned Water Park
Texas Governor Demands its Cancellation
A private pool party at a publicly-owned waterpark to celebrate the Muslim holiday of Eid has led the Texas Governor’s Office to threaten to claw back more than half a million dollars in state grants to the City of Grand Prairie unless it is canceled.
Although this same private event, “DFW Epic Eid at Epic Waterpark,” has been held in years past without much controversy, a flyer for this year’s event advertising it as “Closed to the Public-Muslims Only” went viral on social media, drawing the ire of Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Despite the Governor’s threat to pull $530,000 in state grants unless the city cancels the event and “commit(s) to never allowing something like it again,” Grand Prairie does not appear inclined to fulfill the Governor’s demands.
The city has responded with a statement noting that “DFW Epic Eid at Epic Waterpark” is a private event and that “like other City-owned facilities, it is available for rental by individuals and organizations.”
Event organizer, Dr. Aminah Knight, issued a statement that “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. 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!”
The flyer no longer refers to DFW Epic Eid as a “For Muslims Only” and now includes a statement reading “Come and celebrate Eid with us! All are welcome.”
The demand letter that the Governor’s office sent to the City of Grand Prairie notes the changes to the flyer, and is not satisfied by them, saying: “This event purports to be public-facing and discriminatory at the same time.”
The demand letter from the Governor’s Office notes that the pool party’s website states that “Attendees of all ages are expected to dress in accordance with Islamic values” and includes pictures of “burkinis” for women and long shorts and modest T-shirts for men.
Despite the threats by the Governor, it appears that “DFW Epic Eid at Epic Waterpark” will go on. However, event organizer Dr. Aminah Knight told Dallas television station KXAS that because of “some online statements, there will be extra security on the day of the event.”
Do you support Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s demand that the City of Grand Prairie cancel the “DFW Epic Eid” event?
Share your thoughts in the comments to this story!
Abrazos,
Jack Beavers
