DOJ Launches Federal Civil Rights Investigation Into Texas EPIC Muslim Community

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a federal civil rights investigation into EPIC City, a proposed 402-acre Muslim-centered planned community near Dallas, Texas, following concerns about potential religious discrimination against Christians, Jews, and other non-Muslims. The investigation was prompted by U.S. Senator John Cornyn, who cited allegations that the development could impose Islamic law and exclude non-Muslims, claims that have been strongly denied by the community's developers and leaders. State-level probes by Texas authorities, including Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, have also targeted the project amid accusations of violations of financial and fair housing laws. The developers, represented by attorney Dan Cogdell, have pledged full cooperation with all investigations while asserting the community is inclusive and welcoming to people of all faiths and backgrounds. EPIC City plans include over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a faith-based school, senior housing, and various community facilities, with project leaders emphasizing it is not exclusive to Muslims. The controversy has sparked political debate in Texas, with Cornyn emphasizing that religious discrimination and Sharia law have no place in the state and calling for swift prosecution of any federal violations.