Gov. Greg Abbott announced yet another investigation Friday into the controversial East Plano Islamic Center, this time by the Texas Workforce Commission for potential violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act.
According to the governor’s office, the probe focuses on whether the center, known as EPIC, and its affiliated entities may be refusing to sell or rent housing based on religion or other protected characteristics—a direct violation of state and federal anti-discrimination laws.
“Texas vigorously safeguards the freedoms granted to American citizens in the U.S. Constitution, including the freedom of religion,” said Abbott. “To that end, the Texas Workforce Commission opened an investigation into the group behind the proposed EPIC compound who are potentially breaking state fair housing laws by refusing to sell or rent housing to certain groups based on religion or other protected traits.”
The housing development has advertised itself as an exclusive conclave for Muslims.
The investigation adds to a growing list of legal and regulatory actions being taken by the state against EPIC and its planned 402-acre development in Collin County, commonly referred to as EPIC City—a compound centered around a mosque, Islamic school, and residential community.
Earlier this week, Abbott announced that the Texas Funeral Service Commission has issued a cease-and-desist order for allegedly operating an unlicensed funeral home. The Texas State Securities Board is also investigating EPIC for potential financial fraud and securities violations.
Attorney General Ken Paxton, meanwhile, said his office is probing for possible consumer protection violations.
The project has drawn national attention from critics who say it could function as an exclusionary, religious-based enclave operating outside of American law.
Abbott has firmly stated that Sharia law is not allowed in Texas and has vowed to protect Texans from any entity seeking to violate state laws under the guise of religious or cultural autonomy.
EPIC did not respond to a request for comment.
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