Reporters banned from Muslim conference

A Center Square reporter was denied entry to CAIRCON 2026 in Washington, D.C., despite other media outlets being allowed to attend the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ annual policy conference. CAIR says the event is a private gathering and that it can determine which press outlets receive access.

The Center Square examines the conference’s media access policies, CAIR’s public statements and the controversy surrounding speakers, advocacy and the organization’s political activity. CAIR’s 2026 conference was held Sept. 12–13 in the Washington, D.C., area and included panels on Muslim political engagement, civic advocacy and independent media. ([cair.com][1])

Watch the full report for the exchange between The Center Square and CAIR officials, and the questions surrounding press access and transparency at the conference.