Texas is Center Stage During National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With more than 1000 Muslims traveling to the nation’s capital last week for the 11th National Muslim Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, Texas was cited as a state of increased Islamophobia.

Hosted by the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations, this two-day event saw advocates calling attention to what they believe to be the most pressing issues that the Muslim community is facing.

“We would like elected representatives in Congress to know their Muslim constituents, hear their concerns, and hopefully, God willing, act on them,” Robert McCaw, committee chair for Muslim Hill Day and board chair of the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations, said.

The event in Washington was held in light of rising anti-Muslim sentiments as the war in Iran and the conflict between Israel and Gaza continue.

The themes of the advocacy day focused on pushing back on Islamophobia in Congress, comprehensive immigration reform and human rights-centered policy that labels what is happening in Gaza as genocide.

Advocates expressed anger over recent comments from Representative Andy Ogles, Republican - TN. In March, Ogles posted “Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie” on the social media platform X. Ogles’ office has not responded to requests for a comment.

Representative Al Green, Democrat - Texas, joined advocates at a press conference on April 21 and discussed his recent resolution to formally and officially condemn Ogles.

“What this representative did, and what the President of the United States has done on certain occasions, all of these things are unacceptable,” Green said regarding why he put forward his resolution.

Many advocates also expressed their concern over the recent vilification of Sharia law. Representatives Keith Self and Chip Roy recently created the “Sharia Free America Caucus,” which they claim aims to preserve American values.

“Sharia stands in direct opposition to our country and is totally anathema to the concept of individual freedom and our founding principles,” Self said in a recent press release.

Advocates harshly refuted this claim. “For Muslims, Sharia is simply a way of life, a moral framework that guides everyday practices… at its core, it emphasizes justice, mercy, and human dignity. It requires Muslims to follow the laws of the land we live in, like the U.S Constitution,” Sameeha Rizvi, the Civic Engagement Organizer with the Council on American Islamic Relations Texas, said during the press conference.

The Council on American Islamic Relations was recently designated as a foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organization in Texas by Governor Greg Abbott in November. The Council’s legal team responded to these claims by saying that Abbott is incorrect and spreading debunked conspiracy theories.

Faruq Baqi, the deputy director of public relations for Muslims of America, said one reason he joined advocates on the Hill was to express his discontent with politicians who describe Muslims and Sharia Law as un-American.

“It’s a concerted effort amongst the GOP to demonize Muslims in a very reckless manner… [the GOP] wants to have some kind of demon, some kind of bad guy out there so people don’t focus on the economy, and focus on civil rights, and focus on those things that really matter,” Baqi said.

At the two-day event, advocates held up signs that said “Faith is a right, not a threat” and “hope over hate.”

Advocates fear that these acts of Islamophobia by members of Congress could have broader, worse implications if they remain unchecked. “States like Texas and Florida, they have now become the epicentre of anti-Muslim hate, where we are seeing this trend rise. But we’re also seeing part of a broader national pattern of discrimination targeting Muslim communities,” McCaw said.

From a House Office meeting where signs expressed messages of unity and hope, “We are your constituents, and we are part of this country. Yesterday and today, we brought one of the largest delegations from Texas for Muslim Hill Day. People of all races, ages, and backgrounds, united by our faith and our shared belief in the promise of this country. Not in spite of who we are, but because of it,” Rizvi said.

Olivia Ardito is a graduate student in journalism with Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism