Gov. Ron DeSantis just labeled the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)—one of the largest Muslim civil rights organizations in the United States—a “foreign terrorist organization.” He did this through an executive order that bypasses Congress, federal law, and due process.

Let’s be clear: CAIR is not listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. It operates legally in all 50 states, representing thousands of Muslim Americans and advocating for religious freedom, civil rights, and equal treatment under the law. This designation by Gov. DeSantis is not only baseless—it’s dangerous.

By blocking any state agency from doing business with CAIR or those who support it, this order silences dissent, targets an entire religious community, and opens the door to discrimination in hiring, funding, and public service. It sends a chilling message to Muslim Floridians: You are not welcome here.

This isn’t about safety—it’s about scapegoating. Political leaders should never use executive power to target peaceful advocacy groups or undermine constitutional protections. Gov. DeSantis’ move doesn’t make Floridians safer. It makes us more divided, and it violates the rights of those who simply want to live and worship freely.

We call on Florida lawmakers and the courts to overturn this unconstitutional executive order. We urge members of the Florida Cabinet, state legislators, and agency leaders to reject this directive and stand up for civil liberties. This attack on CAIR is an attack on every Floridian’s freedom of speech, religion, and association.

Muslim Americans deserve the same rights as everyone else—and we won’t stand by while they’re stripped away.

Sign now to demand that this order be rescinded and religious freedom restored in Florida.

Photo: AP / Chris O’Meara