Texas shut down an unauthorized Islamic “university” mimicking Texas A&M’s name before it could mislead students or dilute a century-old legacy—what drove this swift crackdown?
Story Snapshot
- Texas American Muslim University at Dallas (TexAM) advertised STEM degrees without state approval, prompting a May 7, 2026, cease-and-desist from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB).[2]
- Governor Greg Abbott personally directed the shutdown, citing illegal operations from a Richardson mosque address.[2][3]
- Texas A&M University System issued its own cease-and-desist on May 10, 2026, over trademark infringement by “TexAM.”[1]
- TexAM founder claims no degrees issued yet and seeks approvals, but state evidence shows website violations.[2][3]
- Non-compliance risks Attorney General prosecution under Texas law.[2]
TexAM’s Unauthorized Launch in Richardson
Texas American Muslim Institute of Technology at Dallas registered as a nonprofit and adopted the DBA “Texas American Muslim University at Dallas.” Operating from 1100 E Campbell Rd—shared with Dallas Diyanet Mosque and Islamic Seminary of America—TexAM branded itself as “TexAM University.” It promoted itself as the first American institution blending STEM degrees with Islamic studies. The website explicitly advertised “STEM degree programs” online and at the Richardson campus, despite lacking any state authorization.[2][3]
Texas Education Code Chapter 61, Subchapter G requires a Certificate of Authority for higher education institutions. TexAM never obtained this, prohibiting it from offering or granting degrees. Section 61.313 further bans unapproved entities from using terms like “university,” with criminal penalties possible. THECB’s May 7 letter quoted the site’s claims as direct violations, demanding immediate halt to advertising and enrollment.[2]
Governor Abbott Triggers Rapid State Action
Governor Greg Abbott directed THECB to act on May 7, 2026, labeling TexAM an “unauthorized Islamic educational institution operating illegally.” The board’s cease-and-desist gave until that evening to comply, warning of referral to Attorney General Ken Paxton for prosecution, including under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. No evidence shows prior THECB applications from TexAM, undermining claims of ongoing compliance efforts.[2][3]
Founder Shahid A. Bajwa responded that TexAM “does not grant degrees, certificates, or credentials” currently and is “seeking necessary authorizations.” This partially counters active degree issuance but ignores website evidence of offerings and unauthorized “university” usage. Bajwa confirmed the DBA but provided no legal basis for educational operations without a Certificate of Authority.[3]
Texas A&M Enters the Trademark Fight
The Texas A&M University System issued its cease-and-desist on May 10, 2026, targeting “TexAM,” “Texas AM University,” and similar marks. Chancellor Glenn Hegar emphasized protecting over a century of “academic excellence, public trust, and institutional integrity.” Officials argued the branding confuses the public, especially in education, and falsely implies affiliation. They vow “all necessary legal remedies” if ignored.[1]
TexAM’s Islamic focus and mosque address amplified concerns, but the actions align with routine state enforcement. Texas pursued 47 similar cases since 2018, 60% against nonprofits or faith-based groups like Christian Bible colleges. Common sense demands equal application of law—religious branding doesn’t exempt violations, preventing fraud on students and taxpayers.[2]
Officials with the Texas A&M University System have formally objected to the use of the “TexAM University” name by a North Texas Islamic educational entity already facing a state order to cease operations. pic.twitter.com/1l4n5ORNeS
— Texas Scorecard (@TexasScorecard) May 11, 2026
Conservative values prioritize rule of law and protecting established institutions like Texas A&M, a flagship built on merit. TexAM’s counterclaims weaken against primary THECB documentation; no enrollment proof surfaced, but advertising alone triggered shutdown. This precedent deters pretenders, safeguarding educational integrity amid rising unaccredited entities.[1][2][3]
Sources:
[1] Web – State Orders Unapproved Muslim University in Richardson to Cease …
[2] Web – THECB Issues Cease and Desist Letter to Illegal TexAM Entity
[3] Web – State Board Orders Muslim University in Dallas To Shut Down
