Governor Greg Abbott has expressed support for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner’s decision to initiate a federal investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC). The probe will be led by HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, examining possible violations of the Fair Housing Act.
According to Governor Abbott, “’EPIC City,’ now known as ‘The Meadow,’ was marketed as an exclusively ‘Muslim community’ intended to serve as ‘the epicenter of Islam in America.’ Last year, I directed the Texas Workforce Commission to investigate EPIC and any affiliated entities for violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act. After a thorough investigation, Commission staff later filed a detailed complaint, which HUD has now accepted for federal investigation. I support HUD Secretary Scott Turner’s efforts to hold EPIC and its affiliates accountable to our anti-discrimination laws. Together, we will hold anyone involved in violating the law accountable. The Meadow will remain just that—an empty field.”
The state government continues actions related to EPIC’s activities:
– The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required EPIC and its affiliates to acknowledge they did not have authority for construction or development.
– The Texas State Securities Board forwarded its findings regarding EPIC and its affiliates to the Attorney General for review of potential securities law violations.
– The Texas Funeral Service Commission issued a cease-and-desist letter instructing EPIC to stop unauthorized funeral service operations.
– The Texas Rangers are conducting an investigation into possible criminal conduct by EPIC or related entities.
Governor Abbott has led his office since being elected in 2014 and has overseen initiatives focused on job creation, economic growth, education improvement, protection of individual rights, parental empowerment in education decisions, and border security across Texas (source). His administration operates from Austin at the State Insurance Building and delivers services throughout the state (source). Under his leadership, Texas has seen strong employment growth (source) and he was recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (source).
