The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has initiated an investigation into two development firms behind a large-scale North Texas community previously known as East Plano Islamic Center City, examining potential discrimination based on religion or national origin.
This inquiry follows accusations from various state officials alleging that the developers, who initially marketed the community to Muslims, engaged in religious discrimination. The investigation comes on the heels of the U.S. Justice Department’s recent closure of its own inquiry into the project, stating that the developers had committed to adhering to federal fair housing regulations.
The Meadow, as the community is now called, is designed to include over 1,000 residential units, a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, and retail spaces near Josephine, northeast of Dallas. HUD Secretary Scott Turner announced the investigation into EPIC Real Properties, Inc., and Community Capital Partners, prompted by a complaint from the Texas Workforce Commission. This complaint alleges a “large-scale pattern of religious discriminatory conduct” by the developers of The Meadow.
Documents obtained by KERA indicate that the Texas Workforce Commission concluded its investigation into the alleged religious discrimination last September. However, HUD has not yet responded to inquiries regarding both the investigation and the state agency’s complaint.
In a statement, Secretary Turner emphasized his commitment to addressing any illegal discrimination in housing, vowing to ensure a thorough investigation that upholds the rights of all Texans.
Officials representing The Meadow asserted that they have complied with all relevant laws and noted that HUD’s investigation revisits matters already resolved through a conciliation agreement with the state workforce commission. An attorney for one of the developers stated that they filed a lawsuit against the workforce commission to formally conclude the state investigation, shortly before HUD’s announcement of its probe.
This sequence of events has raised concerns regarding due process, with legal counsel Eric Hudson suggesting that the situation appears to reflect a shift in the enforcement approach rather than neutral oversight.
The ongoing inquiry is not the first for the planned community, which has faced scrutiny from Governor Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and other officials. Multiple investigations by state agencies and a lawsuit from Paxton’s office are currently in progress.
The Department of Justice had initiated its now-closed investigation into the center in May, following a request from U.S. Senator John Cornyn. The issue of opposition to Islam has emerged as a significant topic among certain state Republicans in the lead-up to the upcoming GOP primary.
HUD’s investigation into the North Texas development occurs shortly after the department concluded a lengthy investigation into Texas’ distribution of Hurricane Harvey relief funds, determining there was “no reasonable cause” to suggest discrimination based on race or national origin.
Following the announcement of the new investigation, Governor Abbott expressed his support, taking credit for the initial state investigation that led to the workforce commission’s complaint. He voiced hope that the investigation would prevent the project’s completion, stating, “Together, we will hold anyone involved in violating the law accountable. The Meadow will remain just that — an empty field.”
