Texas Orders Closure of Muslim University Over Unauthorized Degree Programs

Texas officials have mandated the shutdown of a Muslim university near Dallas. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board accused the institution of offering degree programs without state approval.

In a letter dated May 6, the board instructed TexAM University at Dallas to stop advertising and enrolling students until it received a Certificate of Authority. The board alleged that the university was promoting STEM degree programs online and at its Richardson campus.

Legal Action Taken:

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a lawsuit against TexAM University at Dallas. Paxton accused the university of misleading students by presenting itself as a legitimate degree-granting institution and using a name similar to Texas A&M University.

“TexAM has repeatedly disregarded Texas law,” Paxton stated, emphasizing his commitment to preventing unaccredited degree mills from operating in the state.

Response from TexAM:

Shahid A. Bajwa, founder of the Texas American Muslim Institute for Technology, responded to the lawsuit. He emphasized that the institute complied with instructions from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board by stopping degree offerings and removing their online presence. Bajwa noted that no fees were charged to students.

Bajwa also addressed the issue of the similarity in name to Texas A&M University. He mentioned ongoing communication to resolve any confusion caused by the name “TexAM.”

Fox News Digital contacted the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and Attorney General Paxton for further comments but did not receive immediate responses.