The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has launched an investigation into a planned Muslim housing development in Texas over allegations of religious and national origin discrimination, the agency announced in a statement on February 13.
The probe targets “The Meadow” project, formally known as EPIC City or the East Plano Islamic Center, for potential violations of the Fair Housing Act. This federal law bars housing providers, including real estate companies, from discriminatory practices that deny access to housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or family status.
HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is examining the activities of two key entities: EPIC Real Properties, Inc., and Community Capital Partners, LP, both involved in the development.
The investigation stems from a complaint filed by the Texas Workforce Commission, which detailed “a large-scale pattern of religious discriminatory conduct by the developers of The Meadow,” according to HUD.
Marketing materials for the project describe it as a “Muslim community” positioned as the “epicenter of Islam in America,” raising concerns about exclusionary practices.
Additionally, HUD highlighted allegations of discriminatory financial terms in the project, which reportedly require lot owners to subsidize a mosque and Islamic educational centers.
The federal scrutiny underscores ongoing efforts to enforce fair housing laws amid claims that the development may systematically favor individuals based on religion and nationality.
