Organizer of Texas ‘Muslim only’ waterpark event runs a misspelled ‘Learing Center’ childcare org

Aminah Knight, the organizer behind the DFW Epic Eid group, operates the 'Excellence Early Learing Center' in Hurst, Texas, a childcare facility with a misspelled name matching an infamous Minneapolis daycare typo. Knight, who holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern California and a doctorate from Vanderbilt University, faced criticism for advertising a 'Muslim only' event at Epic Waters, a taxpayer-funded indoor waterpark in Grand Prairie. The event, held to celebrate the Muslim holiday Eid, initially stated the entire waterpark would be 'exclusively reserved for Muslims' in its FAQ. After public backlash, Knight revised the language to emphasize a modest environment rather than exclusivity. However, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threatened to revoke $530,000 in public safety grants from Grand Prairie if the event proceeded, leading to its cancellation. Epic Waters, an 80,000-square-foot facility opened in 2017 at a cost of $88 million, was funded by a 0.25% sales tax increase approved by residents in 2014. Knight’s organization, DFW Epic Eid, had planned the third-annual event for June 1 but scrapped it amid the controversy. Knight did not immediately respond to inquiries about the typo in her childcare center’s name. The incident highlights ongoing debates over religious inclusivity in public spaces, with Abbott condemning the event as discriminatory. The city of Grand Prairie confirmed the cancellation in a statement, citing 'further review' and 'the best interest of the city.' Knight’s explanation framed the event as a space for families seeking a modest recreational environment, though the initial wording sparked widespread outrage.