In a notable declaration, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has brought to light an investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) for supposed discriminatory practices, which might be infringing upon state fair housing laws; the Texas Workforce Commission is leading the inquiry, as reported in a press release Office of the Texas Governor yesterday.
Abbott emphasized that “Texas vigorously safeguards the freedoms granted to American citizens in the U.S. Constitution, including the freedom of religion,” and that the investigation intends to determine if EPIC has been in violation by refusing housing on the grounds of religion or other protected characteristics, this coming off the heels of an announcement earlier in the week where a dozen state agencies are already looking into various allegations of illegal actions by the organization, as reported by Office of the Texas Governor.
The scrutiny on EPIC extends beyond the allegations of housing discrimination; as the investigation unfolds, the Texas State Securities Board is also probing EPIC for any potential financial malfeasance that could harm Texans, and the Texas Funeral Service Commission has jumped into the fray, having sent a cease-and-desist letter to the center to halt what it terms as illegal funeral service operations…