"Absolutely Unconscionable': In Post-Harvey Texas, No Relief Funds for Critics of Israel

Civil liberties advocates are denouncing a decision by a Texas city to require applicants for Hurricane Harvey rebuilding funds to sign a statement certifying that they are not currently boycotting Israel, and will not participate future protests.

Although the hurricane devastated the entire Houston metro area with record rainfall and destructive flooding, a local television news station reported in early September that “damage in Dickinson may be the worst of Harvey,” with more than 7,000 homes and 88 businesses “significantly damaged.”

The city of Dickinson, located southeast of Houston, recently posted to its website an application for hurricane repair grants from donations made toward rebuilding efforts.

However, individuals and businesses submitting applications (pdf) for the funding must sign a contract affirming that “the applicant: (1) does not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during the term of this agreement.”

Dickinson’s attorney reportedly told a local television station that the city is merely enforcing a Texas law, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in May, that “prohibits all state agencies from contracting with, and certain public funds from investing in, companies that boycott Israel,” according to the governor’s website.