HOUSTON, Texas — Muslim community leaders, organizations and interfaith advocates gathered in Houston to raise concerns over what they describe as misleading and one-sided portrayals of Islam in Texas public-school curriculum.

The gathering was organized by the Islamic Society of Greater Houston (ISGH) and brought together Muslim organizations, community leaders and non-Muslim groups supporting interfaith understanding. Following the meeting, community representatives held a press conference to discuss their concerns and outline their response.

Speakers said they are particularly concerned about the way Islam and Islamic history may be presented to Texas students. They called for religious and historical subjects to be taught accurately, fairly and within their proper historical context, warning that incomplete or misleading material could contribute to misconceptions and stereotypes about Muslims.

Community leaders also emphasized the importance of cooperation between Muslim and non-Muslim communities. They said the response should focus on education, civic engagement, interfaith dialogue and peaceful participation in the democratic process.

A major focus of the press conference was voter registration. Leaders urged eligible Muslim Americans to register to vote and participate in elections, saying that greater civic participation would give the community an opportunity to make its concerns heard through the democratic process.

The speakers called on Muslims across the Houston area to become more involved in local, state and national civic affairs and to encourage eligible members of their families and communities to register and vote.

The gathering comes amid a broader debate in Texas over changes to public-school social studies standards and how religion, history and culture should be presented in classrooms.

Community leaders said they intend to continue working with parents, educators, interfaith organizations and civic groups to advocate for what they consider accurate and balanced education.

The meeting concluded with a call for unity and increased civic participation, with organizers emphasizing that the Muslim community should use peaceful and democratic channels to express its concerns and participate in decisions affecting its families, children and communities.