Governor Greg Abbott has expressed support for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner’s decision to have the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity investigate the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) for possible violations of the Fair Housing Act.
Abbott stated, “‘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 of Texas has taken several actions related to EPIC and its affiliates. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality required EPIC and related groups to acknowledge they did not have authority for construction or development projects. The Texas State Securities Board referred findings about potential securities law violations by EPIC and its affiliates to the Attorney General’s office. Additionally, the Texas Funeral Service Commission issued a cease-and-desist letter instructing EPIC to stop unauthorized funeral service operations, while the Texas Rangers are investigating possible criminal activities connected with EPIC.
Greg Abbott has led the Office of Texas Governor since his election in 2014, overseeing statewide services from offices based in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to information from the official website. Under his leadership, priorities have included job creation, economic opportunity, education improvements, protection of individual liberties, parental empowerment in schools, and border security (source). During Abbott’s tenure, Texas has seen growth in jobs and record employment levels (source), while he was also recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024 (source).
