Federal Inquiry Into Controversial Dallas Neighborhood Raises Questions of Religious Bias

Woman praying indoors on a prayer mat

The Justice Department has launched a federal investigation into a proposed 402-acre Muslim neighborhood near Dallas after Senator John Cornyn raised alarms about potential religious discrimination and the implementation of Sharia law in the community.

Key Takeaways

  • The Department of Justice is investigating the proposed EPIC Muslim community development near Dallas for potential discrimination against non-Muslims.
  • The 402-acre development plans include a mosque, 1,000 homes, an outreach center, and senior living facilities.
  • Texas Senator John Cornyn has explicitly warned that “Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no home in Texas.”
  • Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton are already conducting state-level investigations into the development.
  • The controversy occurs as Cornyn faces a primary challenge from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Federal Investigation Underway

U.S. Senator John Cornyn of Texas has successfully prompted a federal investigation into the proposed East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) development, a 402-acre Muslim community planned for construction approximately 40 miles from Dallas. The Justice Department is examining whether the development would potentially discriminate against Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslim residents, violating federal civil rights laws. The investigation adds federal scrutiny to existing probes already initiated by Texas state officials under Governor Greg Abbott’s administration.

Cornyn has been forthright about his concerns regarding the project, emphasizing constitutional principles that prohibit religious discrimination. “I am grateful to Attorney General Bondi and the Department of Justice for hearing my concerns and opening an investigation into the proposed EPIC City development in North Texas. Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no place in the Lone Star State. Any violations of federal law must be swiftly prosecuted, and I know under the Trump administration, they will be,” said John Cornyn, U.S. Senator from Texas.

The Controversial Development

The EPIC development calls for the construction of a mosque, approximately 1,000 homes, an Islamic outreach center, and senior living facilities across the sprawling 402-acre property. Critics have raised concerns that the community might operate under Islamic religious laws rather than American civil law. The investigation will assess whether the development’s policies or practices might exclude or discriminate against potential residents who do not adhere to Islam, potentially violating federal housing and civil rights regulations.

“Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no home in Texas.” said John Cornyn, U.S. Senator from Texas.

Texas state agencies are already conducting investigations into multiple aspects of EPIC’s operations, including concerns about unlicensed construction activities, funeral services, potential housing discrimination, and financial compliance. Attorney General Ken Paxton has specifically opened an investigation into whether EPIC may have violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Governor Abbott has made his position clear that Sharia law is not recognized in Texas and that all developments must comply with Texas and U.S. laws.

Developers Deny Allegations

Representatives for the EPIC development have firmly denied all allegations of discrimination or impropriety. Dan Cogdell, the attorney representing EPIC, has stated that while they will cooperate with any investigations, they view the probes as unnecessary and politically motivated. Community Capital Partners, the development company behind the project, has expressed frustration at what they characterize as unwarranted scrutiny driven by political considerations rather than legitimate concerns about the project itself.

“EPIC will cooperate fully with any and all investigations — regardless of how misguided and unnecessary they are.” said Dan Cogdell, Attorney representing EPIC.

The timing of this controversy coincides with significant political developments in Texas, as Senator Cornyn faces a primary challenge from Ken Paxton. Recent polling shows Cornyn trailing Paxton in the Republican primary race, though he remains favored against potential Democratic opponents in the general election. The high-profile nature of this investigation and Cornyn’s vocal stance against potential religious discrimination and Sharia law may resonate with conservative voters concerned about preserving American legal traditions and constitutional protections.

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