CROSBY, Texas — Crosby ISD ended its partnership with the East Harris County Empowerment Council on July 31, a day before the district’s annual back-to-school event, after community members raised concerns on social media about the council’s partnership with Muslim nonprofit Islamic Relief USA.
The district announced the decision in a Facebook statement but did not provide a specific reason for ending the partnership. Crosby ISD also said Islamic Relief USA would no longer be allowed to donate or volunteer at the back-to-school event.
The East Harris County Empowerment Council had supported Crosby ISD since 2008, providing funding, food, school supplies and other assistance to students and families.
Council CEO Terence Narcisse said Islamic Relief USA began working with the council in 2021 after the Texas winter storm. The nonprofit provided about $15,000 in gift cards to East Harris County families affected by the storm and later provided cash grants, supplies, food boxes and other assistance.
Narcisse said the council works with organizations from different faith communities and described its relationship with Islamic Relief USA as a formal partnership focused on community support.
He said the district did not give the council an official explanation for ending the partnership.
Houston Public Media contacted Crosby ISD for comment, but the district referred to its original statement. Islamic Relief USA did not respond to a request for comment.
Narcisse said community members posted complaints about Islamic Relief USA on social media in the days before the back-to-school event after the council announced that the nonprofit would donate school supplies.
Jida Nabulsi, executive director of Muslim nonprofit Emgage USA, previously introduced the council to Islamic Relief USA while she served as CEO of Amaanah Services. She said the district’s decision appeared to target the organization because of its Muslim affiliation and overlooked its community work.
Genesis Cooper, whose children graduated from Crosby High School in May, said she also saw complaints online before the district announced the decision. She said the cancellation left some families without school supplies they needed before the start of classes.
Narcisse said the council does not plan to take action against Crosby ISD. Instead, he said the organization will continue serving East Harris County and work on future projects with Islamic Relief USA.
“We see this as an isolated incident where a school district has made a decision,” Narcisse said. “We respect their decision to act in the best interests of their district and their families.”