Governor Greg Abbott has expressed his support for 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 Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity will examine potential violations of the Fair Housing Act by EPIC.
“‘EPIC City,’ now known as ‘The Meadow,’ was marketed as an exclusively ‘Muslim community’ intended to serve as ‘the epicenter of Islam in America,’” said Governor Abbott. “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.”
In addition to this investigation, several Texas state agencies have taken actions regarding EPIC and its affiliates:
– 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 referred findings about possible securities law violations involving EPIC and its affiliates to the Attorney General.
– The Texas Funeral Service Commission issued a cease-and-desist letter instructing EPIC to stop all unauthorized funeral service operations.
– The Texas Rangers are investigating potential criminal activities related to EPIC and associated entities.
Governor Abbott’s office, headquartered in Austin at the State Insurance Building, leads initiatives across job creation, economic opportunity, education enhancement, individual liberties protection, parental empowerment in schools, and southern border security. Since being elected in 2014, Abbott has overseen statewide services throughout Texas through his office (source). Under his leadership, Texas has experienced growth in jobs and record employment levels (source). In 2024, TIME included Greg Abbott among its list of 100 Most Influential People (source).
