THECB Issues Cease and Desist Letter to Illegal TexAM Entity

AUSTIN – At the direction of Governor Abbott, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) today sent a letter demanding that an entity calling itself Texas American Muslim University at Dallas (TexAM) cease all operations. The entity claims it is an educational organization offering higher education courses and degrees in Texas but has not complied with Texas laws for operating a higher education institution.

To operate or grant degrees in Texas, a private postsecondary educational institution is required to hold a Certificate of Authority issued by the THECB pursuant to Chapter 61, Subchapter G of the Texas Education Code. Because TexAM has never been granted a Certificate of Authority to operate in Texas, it is prohibited from offering to grant degrees or courses leading to a degree. TexAM also is in violation of section 61.313 of the Texas Education Code, which protects the use of terms such as “university” and carries potential criminal liability.

TexAM claims to offer STEM degree programs and admissions to a variety of bachelor’s degree programs. It must immediately cease this advertising and student enrollment.

THECB informed TexAM of these violations in a letter released May 7 and requires that it immediately cease operations and advertisement of unauthorized programs. If TexAM refuses to comply, the matter will be referred to the Attorney General for prosecution.