In Defense of the Constitution

News & Analysis
001/05 January 4, 2005

- CAIR: Setting Standards for a Private Organization, Why?

     On 23 December, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a News Release concerning the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS).  CAIR is in a snit because TAPPS had dared to ask questions that CAIR considered “biased” of two Islamic schools that had applied to join the TAPPS organization

     TAPPS sent a letter to the applicants asking them to answer some concerns the group had, specifically questions regarding Islam. CAIR, in response, called for the state of Texas to investigate TAPPS, a private organization, for …“discriminatory actions.”

     Anti-CAIR contacted TAPPS directly and this is what we know:

     TAPPS is privately funded and derives its income from membership dues, event fees, ticket sales, advertising, sales of t-shirts/novelties at events, and from corporate sponsors.  In response to a direct question, TAPPS emphasized that it is a “private organization”. 

     ACAIR finds it curious that CAIR would attempt to goad the state of Texas into investigating a private organization for the "sin" of asking questions about Islam, and about whether hate is being taught in these Islamic schools.  As a Washington Post story on Islamic schools in Northern Virginia shows, it appears at least some Islamic schools in the United States teach Muslim children to hate Christians and Jews.  Also, in America, private organizations are free to admit whomever they wish as members. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of association. 

     ACAIR notes with pleasure that so far, the great state of Texas is ignoring CAIR’s silly complaint.  CAIR-Houston Executive Director Iesa Galloway is DEMANDING an investigation, a reprimand for those involved, a formal apology, and sensitivity training for an organization that engaged in constitutionally protected behavior.  By contrast, how many former CAIR employees, contractors, officers, etc are indicted or in prison? 

      And when did CAIR ever offer to investigate itself, reprimand those involved, issue a formal apology, or hold sensitivity training...?

      It takes a lot of nerve to adopt an attitude that suggests you are part of a private organization that has the right to “DEMAND” another private organization behave in a certain way.  CAIR, of all groups, is not in a position to be demanding anything from anyone for any reason.   

      America is a free country. TAPPS has the right to determine whether the Islamic schools that applied for membership actually endorse basic American values - respect for the Constitution, and faithfulness to the Judeo-Christian moral and political principles that make this great country what it is.  This is America: TAPPS is free to admit anyone it deems appropriate.  If CAIR wants to start an Islamist sports group, it may do so. 

      ACAIR, though, believes any such group would have very few members,  for what respectable group would ever want to be associated with CAIR?

 

Andrew Whitehead
Director
Anti-CAIR (ACAIR)
ajwhitehead@anti-cair-net.org
www.anti-cair-net.org

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