A Muslim-centered planned community near Dallas has cleared a major legal hurdle. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) closed its civil rights investigation without filing any charges. This development marks a turning point in a controversy that has lasted over a year.
The community, called EPIC City, is being planned near the East Plano Islamic Center. It has drawn national attention from politicians, media, and advocacy groups. Critics feared it would exclude non-Muslims. Others accused state and federal officials of targeting the project due to religious bias.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn originally called for the federal probe. He claimed the Muslim-centered planned communitymight discriminate against Christians and Jews. In response, the DOJ launched an investigation. However, that investigation has now ended.
According to a DOJ letter dated June 13, Community Capital Partners the project’s developer confirmed the community would welcome everyone. The group also pledged to revise marketing materials to emphasize inclusivity.
Despite the DOJ’s conclusion, state-level investigations continue. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton have both criticized the project. They claimed it could impose religious practices on non-Muslim residents.
Even so, Community Capital Partners has consistently stated otherwise. They said the project will follow federal and state law. They also emphasized that religion will not be forced on anyone.
Dan Cogdell, an attorney for the developers, welcomed the DOJ’s decision. He pointed out how quickly the probe ended. Cogdell also said the entire controversy would not exist if the project were based around a church or synagogue.
Meanwhile, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) applauded the DOJ’s move. CAIR called the investigations a “witch hunt” driven by Islamophobia. Executive Director Nihad Awad urged state officials to follow the DOJ’s lead.
Plans for the Muslim-centered planned community include over 1,000 housing units, a school, and a community college. It will also feature athletic fields and senior living. However, construction is still far off. Developers said the permitting process won’t begin for several months.
EPIC City will be located near Josephine, about 30 miles northeast of Dallas. The project could take years to complete, but for now, one major obstacle is gone.
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