The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has issued an immediate cease-and-desist order to the Texas American Muslim University at Dallas (TexAM), citing its unauthorized operation as a higher education institution without the required state certification. The directive, issued on May 7, 2026, mandates that the Richardson-based entity immediately halt all advertising, student enrollment, and degree-granting activities. This action follows a public statement from Governor Greg Abbott, who personally directed the board to intervene.
The THECB's order stems from TexAM's failure to obtain a Certificate of Authority, a mandatory requirement under Chapter 61 of the Texas Education Code for any private postsecondary institution operating or granting degrees in the state. Furthermore, TexAM's use of the term "university" without proper authorization also violates state law, which carries potential criminal liability. Governor Abbott emphasized the state's stance, stating, > "I directed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to issue a Cease & Desist to ‘TexAM,’ an unauthorized Islamic educational institution operating illegally in Texas. If they refuse to comply, legal action will follow. Texas will not allow illegal educational institutions to operate in our state."
TexAM University, which began its first semester in October 2025, described itself as the first university in the USA to offer STEM degree programs, including Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, embedded with mandatory Islamic studies courses. Founder and board chairman Shahid A. Bajwa stated that the institution is legally registered as a nonprofit and operates under a DBA, asserting that it does not currently grant degrees or certificates. Bajwa added that TexAM is "actively engaging with THECB to clarify any misunderstandings and to ensure full compliance with State regulations."
Failure to comply with the cease-and-desist order could result in severe legal repercussions, including criminal penalties, civil liability, and administrative fines, with potential referral to the Texas Attorney General for prosecution. Adding to the institution's challenges, the Texas A&M University System separately issued its own cease-and-desist letter, contending that TexAM's name too closely resembled the Texas A&M brand, potentially causing public confusion.
