Southern Methodist University Cancels Scheduled CAIR Youth Event

Southern Methodist University (SMU) has canceled a youth leadership symposium organized by the North Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The event, titled “Unapologetically Muslim: Youth in Action,” was originally scheduled to take place on the Dallas campus on September 19. The symposium was intended to provide high school and college students with leadership training, workshops, and an introduction to local government processes.

In a statement, SMU spokesperson Megan Jacob explained that the university reviewed the event plans and determined that hosting the symposium was inconsistent with the school's mission and policies. The decision was specifically linked to the State of Texas’ current designation of CAIR as a terrorist organization. While SMU maintains a commitment to open inquiry and diverse perspectives, the university confirmed that the event will no longer be held on its grounds. SMU, which was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church South, currently hosts a religiously diverse student body and provides resources for Muslim students, including a Muslim Student Association.