Texas Governor Moves to Shut Down Unauthorized ‘American Muslim University’ in Dallas

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on May 7 directed his state’s higher education coordinating board to issue a cease-and-desist order for a Muslim university that he says has zero credentials or permissions for providing academic instruction and awarding degrees.

The school, Texas American Muslim University at Dallas (TexAM), is in violation of several state education codes requiring certification and therefore carries “potential criminal liability,” the state agency said in a May 7 statement.

“TexAM claims to offer STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degree programs and admissions to a variety of bachelor’s degree programs,” the statement reads. “It must immediately cease this advertising and student enrollment.

“If TexAM refuses to comply, the matter will be referred to the attorney general for prosecution.”

The May 6 notice of violation sent to the school’s Richardson, Texas, address notes that TexAM offers both in-person and online instruction for bachelor’s degree programs in computer science, information technology, cybersecurity, and health informatics, as well as a master’s degree in artificial intelligence.

Without the state-required certificate of authority, the letter states, the school must cease advertising, offering, and enrolling students in degrees or programs of study until after that credential is obtained.

“You must also cease and desist from using any protected terms immediately,” the letter states, requesting confirmation that the school has closed by May 8.

In a post on social media platform X, Abbott said, “Texas will not allow illegal educational institutions to operate in our state.”

The TexAM website’s main page states that it is the first university in the United States to offer STEM degree programs embedded with mandatory courses in Islamic Studies.

“The university provides specialized programs that integrate modern technology with Islamic principles, empowering students with skills in digital innovation while upholding Islamic values,” it states. “Our graduates are prepared to excel in diverse fields such as Islamic finance, digital services, and religious education in today’s technology-driven world.”

The school is located in an office building that it shares with a mosque, the Islamic Seminary of America, a health center, a kitchen and bath store, and other tenants. The listed phone number appears to be the personal number for Shahid Bajwa, who is listed as the school’s CEO and “Lead Dreamer.”

Bajwa, when reached by phone, asked that the inquiry be sent by email. That address ends with “.education,” not “.edu,” meaning that it does not have a domain that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Bajwa, in his email reply, said he would follow up later to set up a time to talk or meet.

The website also advertises a special initiative for Pakistani students to earn a TexAM bachelor’s degree online.

It notes that the school is registered as a nonprofit with the Texas secretary of state, but there is no listing of academic accreditation or other credentials. It also advertises that it accepts donations; that icon redirects the site viewer to the Mercy Without Limits organization.