Texas Senator Opposes Islamic Foot-Washing Stations at DFW Airport

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation approved a project on July 31 to install Islamic foot-washing stations, known as wudu stations, in the Terminal D restrooms of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The privately funded project, estimated at $300,000, aims to provide Muslim travelers a dedicated space for ritual washing to prevent hygiene issues and damage caused by using standard bathroom sinks. The installation is scheduled to begin August 31 and finish by the end of the year.

Tan Parker, a Texas State Senator and chair of the Texas Senate Committee on Transportation, is opposing the project. Parker argues that because the airport is a public asset owned by the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, permanent modifications should be made under a transparent, published standard rather than through administrative approval.

Parker has demanded that the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Board of Directors provide written policies regarding private modifications to public facilities. He has further requested clarification on whether formal board approval for the stations occurred, setting a deadline of August 27 for the response.