Officials in Texas have commanded a Muslim-oriented institution near Dallas to close. They accuse it of offering degree programs without proper state accreditation.
A letter dated May 6 from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board directed TexAM University at Dallas to halt its operations. The board demanded that the school cease advertising or enrolling students in any degree programs until it obtains a Certificate of Authority.
The board highlighted that TexAM University at Dallas promoted itself as a provider of STEM degree programs, functioning both online and at its Richardson campus.
Legal Actions and Allegations
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated legal proceedings against TexAM University at Dallas. He charges the institution with misleading potential students and unlawfully presenting itself as a university authorized to confer degrees. Paxton criticized the institution for adopting branding similar to Texas A&M University.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board asserts that TexAM University advertised itself as offering various STEM degrees, including a master’s in Artificial Intelligence and bachelor’s programs in computer science, IT, cybersecurity, and health informatics.
Responses from TexAM University Representatives
Shahid A. Bajwa, the founder of the Texas American Muslim Institute for Technology, acknowledged the lawsuit. He expressed confusion over the allegations but remained open to resolving misunderstandings.
Bajwa mentioned compliance with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s instructions. He stated that TexAM University has suspended operations, ceased using the title ‘University,’ and stopped offering degree programs.
The institution has dismantled its website and social media accounts. Bajwa also indicated ongoing discussions with Texas A&M University concerning the brand name ‘TexAM.’
[No comments were immediately available from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board or Attorney General Paxton’s office.]
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