In a significant victory for common sense and national security, Southern Methodist University (SMU) has canceled an "Unapologetically Muslim" youth conference organized by CAIR-Texas. The event, which aimed to bring high school and college students to its Dallas campus for leadership and civic engagement training, was swiftly shut down following Texas’s designation of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a "foreign terrorist" organization.

The conference, advertised with sessions on "mock testimony" and "power mapping"—a technique often used to identify and influence decision-makers—raised legitimate concerns. The event's purpose, as stated by CAIR-Texas, was to equip students with tools to get "more involved in the issues affecting their communities," a vague pronouncement often masking deeper, more divisive agendas.

The Dallas Morning News reported SMU's decision, directly citing Governor Greg Abbott's assertive stance. Governor Abbott previously designated the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations in November. His rationale was stark and clear.

Governor Abbott declared, "The Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR have long made their goals clear: to forcibly impose Sharia law and establish Islam’s 'mastership of the world.'" He minced no words, adding, "The actions taken by the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR to support terrorism across the globe and subvert our laws through violence, intimidation, and harassment are unacceptable."

This state-level designation means these radical extremists are "not welcome in our state and are now prohibited from acquiring any real property interest in Texas." This is a crucial step in safeguarding Texas from those who would undermine its foundational principles and American values.

Unsurprisingly, CAIR responded by filing a lawsuit in November 2025 against Governor Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, seeking to block the proclamation. The group asserted that this move was an attempt "to punish the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization simply because Governor Abbott disagrees with its views," claiming it was "contrary to the United States Constitution."

CAIR-Texas further stated, "We are not and will not be intimidated by smear campaigns launched by Israel First politicians like Mr. Abbott. Mr. Abbott is defaming us and other American Muslims because we are effective advocates for justice here and abroad. We plan to continue exercising our constitutional rights, defending civil rights, and speaking truth to power, whether in defense of free speech, religious freedom and racial equality here in Texas or in defense of human rights abroad." The federal lawsuit continues, but Texas stands firm.

An SMU spokesperson confirmed the cancellation to Fox News Digital, stating, "After reviewing plans for an upcoming unaffiliated youth leadership symposium advertised to take place at SMU, 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 related University policies. As a result, the event will not take place on campus."

While CAIR’s website lists principles such as supporting Islam, fostering equality, stimulating interfaith dialogue, and condemning violence, this outwardly benign description stands in stark contrast to Governor Abbott’s serious designation and the consistent scrutiny the organization faces. It’s a vivid reminder that actions, and affiliations, speak louder than carefully crafted mission statements.

This firm decision by SMU, backed by Governor Abbott's courageous leadership, underscores the unwavering commitment of Texas to protect its institutions and youth from organizations that raise red flags concerning national security and the rule of law. It's a clear message: Texas will not tolerate those who seek to subvert American laws or promote agendas inconsistent with the state’s core values and the safety of its citizens.