Texas principal resigns after backlash from 'Why Islam' event

Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Jun 2, 2026

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FORT WORTH, Texas — The principal at Wylie East High School resigned following backlash from a “Why Islam” event that occurred at the school in February.

Tiffany Doolan, who had worked for the Wylie Independent School District for 19 years, notified the district of her resignation on May 26. In a statement, the district said Doolan had been a victim of targeted online attacks and public hostility.

In February, an outside group called “Why Islam” set up a table at WEHS during lunch. The group was on campus to meet with the Muslim Student Association for World Hijab day. However, school officials said they did not approve the tabling during lunch.

Following the event, the district placed a staff member on leave who they say did not verify the guest speaker approval process was completed.

The event went viral after the president of the WEHS Republican Club, Marco Hunter-Lopez, posted a video to social media, in which he said the group was handing out information about Islam to students. Rep. Chip Roy invited Hunter-Lopez to testify to Congress. In his testimony, he called the event an “ideological promotion under the guise of diversity and inclusion.”

WISD said in a statement that the district does not promote religion, politics, or ideology and that assertions that the district intentionally promoted a religion are false.

Photos of Doolan wearing a hijab for World Hijab Day in previous years were resurfaced and also received criticism on social media after the “Why Islam” event. The district said the photos circulating were weaponized and taken out of context.

“Like many educators, Mrs. Doolan participated in student activities intended to build relationships and help students feel seen and valued,” the district said in a statement.

Doolan did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Earlier this month, the Fort Worth school district reassigned a Muslim principal, Shayma Alzubi, citing previous social media posts it said did not align with district policy. Several groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations and the Faith Power Alliance, have called for her reinstatement.

WISD said Doolan has received significant support from the community.

“Since her resignation announcement, the district has received numerous messages expressing sadness about her departure and appreciation for her leadership and service. Those who know Tiffany Doolan know her character, her heart for students, and her dedication to public education,” WISD said in a statement.

WISD said in the statement that a “procedural mistake” should not result in harassment and attempts to destroy educators’ reputations.

“Educators should never have to fear becoming the target of online harassment campaigns, political theater, or sustained personal attacks simply for wanting students to know they matter,” the statement said “Wylie ISD will not allow outside noise or social media pressure to dictate the culture of our schools or to continue driving good people out of public education.”

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