State Orders Unapproved Muslim University in Richardson to Cease Operations
May 8, 2026 – RICHARDSON, Texas — State regulators have ordered a Richardson-based institution operating as “Texas American Muslim University at Dallas” to immediately shut down, citing violations of Texas higher education law.
On Thursday, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board announced that the organization—also referred to as “TexAM University at Dallas”—had been offering degree programs without proper authorization. According to the agency, the institution never obtained the required Certificate of Authority to operate as a college or university in Texas, as mandated under Chapter 61 of the Texas Education Code.
The north star that guides everything we do at the TexAM University must be to advance Texas — from its economy to its health and from its culture to its levels of educational attainment so critical to progress.
The case first drew public attention following reporting by Texas Scorecard, which highlighted the group’s marketing efforts. The institution promoted itself as an Islamic-centered university combining STEM-focused degree programs with required coursework in Islamic studies.
State officials said that regardless of curriculum or religious affiliation, any institution offering higher education degrees in Texas must meet strict regulatory standards before enrolling students or issuing credentials. Without that approval, the use of protected terms like “university” or “college” is prohibited under state law.
“The organization has been operating outside the legal framework designed to protect students and ensure educational quality,” the coordinating board said in its enforcement notice. Regulators emphasized that proper authorization helps guarantee that degrees awarded by institutions are legitimate and recognized by employers and other schools.
Texas American Institute for Technology at Dallas is a non-profit organization, registered with the Secretary of State of Texas, USA. It operates under the DBA (Doing Business As) name Texas American Muslim University at Dallas.
Authorities warned that continued operation could expose the organization to significant legal consequences. Potential penalties include criminal charges, civil liability, administrative fines, and enforcement actions under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Officials noted that such laws are intended to prevent misleading claims that could harm students financially or academically.
It remains unclear how many students may have enrolled or whether any degrees have already been issued. The coordinating board did not immediately release details about potential restitution or next steps for affected students but urged anyone impacted to contact the agency for guidance.
The shutdown order underscores Texas regulators’ increasing scrutiny of unapproved educational providers, particularly those advertising professional or academic credentials. State leaders say enforcement actions like this are necessary to maintain trust in the higher education system and to protect students from investing time and money in programs that lack legal standing.
As of Thursday, the organization had not publicly responded to the state’s order.
