What is EPIC City? Why is Muslim-centered planned community around Texas mosque making headlines?

A Muslim-centered planned community around one of the Texas' largest mosques near Dallas has been making headlines after Senator revealed that the U.S. Department of Justice opened a federal civil rights investigation into it. Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated that construction related to "EPIC City" has been halted.

What is EPIC City?

EPIC City refers to East Plano Islamic Center. EPIC City would be near the community of Josephine, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) northeast of Dallas.


Plans for the mixed-used development include more than 1,000 homes and apartments, a faith-based school for kindergarten through 12th grade, a community college, assisted living for older residents and athletics fields.

What is EPIC City Controversy?

Cornyn requested the federal probe of the development last month, citing concerns it could discriminate against Christians and Jews. He announced in a post on X that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi had notified him of the investigation.

The developers of the proposed planned community tied to the East Plano Islamic Center, which has not yet been built, have said they are being bullied because they are Muslim.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations in the Dallas area also has criticized the state probes as bullying the Muslim community and a violation of constitutionally protected religious expression.

Abbott has posted about the development at least 11 times in recent weeks. He suggested the developers may have violated fair housing and financial laws, and accused the Islamic center of conducting illegal funerals.

The governor ordered multiple overlapping investigations. Not to be outdone, the state's conservative attorney general, Ken Paxton, added his own criminal inquiry.

FAQs

Q1. What is EPIC City?
A1. EPIC City refers to East Plano Islamic Center.

Q2. Where is EPIC City supposed to come up?
A2. EPIC City is supposed to come up in Texas.