A controversial “Muslim only” event planned at a taxpayer-funded Texas water park has officially been canceled after public backlash and pressure from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who threatened to pull more than $530,000 in state public safety grants. Funny how quickly policies change once taxpayer money is on the line.
The event, called “Epic Eid,” was scheduled for June 1 at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark in Grand Prairie, Texas. The gathering was organized by a local Islamic group as part of its annual Dallas-Fort Worth celebration.
According to promotional materials, the event was initially advertised as a “Muslim only event” with a strict modest dress code. The original flyer stated “For Muslims only,” while women were instructed to wear burkinis and men were required to wear swim trunks with shirts. The event also planned to offer halal food and a private prayer area designated “for Muslims only.”
After criticism erupted online and state officials raised concerns, organizers quickly revised the language on the flyer. The phrase “Muslim only event” was removed and replaced with “Modest dress only,” while “For Muslims only” was changed to “All are welcome.” Amazing how diversity suddenly becomes important when funding might disappear.
Representatives for both the city of Grand Prairie and the water park later confirmed the cancellation in a statement Wednesday evening.
“After further review and in the best interest of the City of Grand Prairie, the June 1 EID event at Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark has been canceled,” the statement said.
Event organizer Aminah Knight defended the gathering, saying the goal was to create a comfortable recreational environment for families and individuals who value modest dress and modest settings.
“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,” Knight wrote on the event website.