Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order sparking widespread concern among civil rights organizations and legal experts across the country. The order designates the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, as a "foreign terrorist organization." This action mirrors a similar proclamation made in November by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, which CAIR is challenging in federal court.
Both orders attempt to draw unfounded ideological links between CAIR and Hamas. CAIR has repeatedly rejected these accusations, emphasizing that it has no ties to Hamas or to terrorist groups. For 30 years, CAIR has operated as an independent American civil rights organization dedicated to protecting free speech, defending religious freedom, and advancing justice at home and abroad.
In a joint statement, CAIR's national office and its Florida chapter denounced the order as unconstitutional, baseless, and politically motivated, announcing that they will challenge Florida's action in federal court. CAIR Florida Interim Executive Director Hiba Rahim stated: "An attack on our civil rights organization is a direct attack on our constitutional First Amendment rights and an attack on the civil rights of Florida's Muslim community."
These escalating right-wing attacks on charities and nonprofits aim to curtail civil rights advocacy and should frighten all Americans who value freedom of expression. Attempts to smear reputable nonprofit organizations are designed to suppress civil rights work and slow it down with costly, time-consuming legal battles. Texas and Florida's executive orders represent a betrayal of the First Amendment and a misuse of political office and taxpayer resources.
Don't let these publicity stunts stop civil rights work. Send a message now!
