Governor Abbott's Stance on EPIC City Project
Governor Greg Abbott has taken a strong stance against the proposed EPIC City project, citing concerns related to Sharia law and perceived legal shortcomings. Abbott's attention was drawn to the project, driven by the East Plano Islamic Center, when it gained public attention. A social media post warning of a "402-Acre Sharia City" in Texas prompted Abbott to emphasize:
"Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are 'no go zones.'"
The EPIC City proposal includes:
- Around 1,000 homes
- A mosque
- Various community facilities
Abbott has consistently highlighted his 2017 law barring Sharia law, ensuring all entities within Texas follow state laws, not religious ones. Critics suggest that similar religiously-affiliated communities without Islamic ties have not faced such scrutiny.
Abbott's concerns extend beyond ideology to legal hurdles concerning permits and authorizations. According to Abbott, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality indicated that proper permits were not obtained, raising questions about possible unauthorized construction attempts.
The issue has drawn in other Texas political figures, including Attorney General Ken Paxton and Senator John Cornyn, amplifying Abbott's legislative and investigative efforts against the project. Developers and advocates of EPIC City argue that the uproar stems from discrimination, particularly due to the center's Islamic ties.
Legal Actions and Political Response
The legal actions taken against the proposed EPIC City project are multifaceted, highlighting Texas officials' regulatory stance. Governor Abbott has called upon the Texas Rangers and other agencies to examine potential criminal violations related to the project's development. His directive underscores a commitment to ensuring compliance with state housing and environmental laws.
Attorney General Ken Paxton has complemented Abbott's efforts with his own scrutiny, calling for extensive documentation from officials possibly tied to the project. This approach aligns with his reputation for enforcing consumer protection laws in Texas.
Senator John Cornyn has expressed concerns over potential religious discrimination within EPIC City, requesting a U.S. Department of Justice investigation. This adds federal attention to the situation and could reflect political calculations aimed at distinguishing his candidacy as principled.
The developers behind EPIC City are facing increasing challenges, insisting on their compliance and openness to a comprehensive legal review. They maintain that EPIC City is an inclusive, family-oriented community, contending that the uproar belies an underlying bias toward Muslim initiatives.
Community Response and Impact
The EPIC City initiative has found itself at the center of public opinion and political scrutiny. For developers and the Muslim community involved, the response has been one of resilience and commitment to inclusivity. Resident scholar Yasir Qadhi states:
"EPIC City is going to be a role model community of thousands of Muslims living well-integrated. We're not forming barriers. We'll be giving back to this state and showing what it means to be a Muslim neighborhood."
Attorney Dan Cogdell, representing the developers, expresses frustration over what he perceives as unjust targeting of the project. He points out that construction hasn't even started, highlighting the premature nature of criticisms driven by political agendas rather than factual developments.
The surrounding Muslim community faces challenges, as amplified rhetoric has sparked concerns of Islamophobic actions. Community leader Mujeeb Kazi voices concern over increased hostilities, noting:
"Our entire community is in a state of fear. Politicians' comments have emboldened bigots and hatemongers to attack."
In response, efforts have focused on fostering dialogue and education, with community leaders reaching out to local figures across religious and cultural lines. This outreach aims to dispel myths and promote inclusion rather than division.
While debates continue, developers and community leaders remain hopeful, envisioning EPIC City as a testament to peaceful cohabitation and cultural enrichment. Their goal is to illustrate the project's potential as a beacon of collaborative community-building in action.
- Abbott G. Press Release: Governor Abbott Announces Legal Issues with Proposed EPIC Compound. Office of the Texas Governor. 2023.
- Kazi M. Interview with Chron. North Texas Islamic Council. 2023.
- Cogdell D. Statement to The Dallas Morning News. Community Capital Partners. 2023.
- Qadhi Y. Update on EPIC City Project. East Plano Islamic Center. 2023.