Texas Governor Greg Abbott called on Cypress-Fairbanks ISD to cancel the annual Islamic Games of North America, citing sponsorship by the New Jersey chapter of CAIR, which he labels a terrorist organization. “You cannot invite such dangers through the front doors of our schools. Radical Islamic extremism is not welcome in Texas — and certainly not in our schools,” he said, according to ABC13.
Cy-Fair ISD officials said there are no scheduled events or facility use agreements for 2026–27. The district does not distinguish between religious and non-religious groups in its guidelines and emphasized compliance with state and anti-discrimination laws. The Islamic Games website lists potential 2026 events in Cypress, though reservations are unconfirmed.
Cy-Fair ISD told ABC 13 that community groups may rent school facilities if it aligns with district operations. Last year, the Islamic Games used a district facility without CAIR NJ’s involvement, and district facilities are regularly used by various religious groups. A letter to the governor stated, “CFISD will continue to follow the law. This includes state law, but also the laws that prohibit discrimination.”
According to the click2houston reports, ongoing tensions between state authorities and local school districts outline the complex interplay of community use of public spaces and the politically charged atmosphere around such uses. In an email to the Report, Salaudeen Nausrudeen, president of the Islamic Games, stated, "We are deeply concerned that a sporting event for children is being targeted." In the midst of the fray, CAIR's national office has denied ties to terrorism, stating, "CAIR-New Jersey was not and is not a sponsor of a sporting event in Texas, obviously."
