Gov Abbott Orders Shutdown of Illegal ‘Muslim University’ Operating in Texas
by David Lindfield
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has moved to shut down a controversial Muslim university operating illegally in Texas after officials determined the institution lacked the legal authority and credentials required to offer degrees.
On Thursday, Gov. Abbott directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to issue a cease-and-desist order against Texas American Muslim University at Dallas (TexAM), accusing the school of illegally advertising degree programs and enrolling students without state approval.
“Texas will not allow illegal educational institutions to operate in our state,” Abbott declared in a post on X.
State Says School Violated Texas Education Laws
According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, TexAM is operating in violation of multiple state education codes and may face “potential criminal liability.”
The state agency said the school had been advertising a range of STEM-related degree programs despite lacking the legally required certificate of authority to operate as a university in Texas.
“TexAM claims to offer STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degree programs and admissions to a variety of bachelor’s degree programs,” the agency stated.
“It must immediately cease this advertising and student enrollment.”