Muslim Schools Shut Out of Texas Voucher Program Amid Controversial Vetting
What can Islamic schools do to change the narrative around discrimination?
As Texas opens applications for its new private school voucher program, Islamic schools like Palm Tree Academy in El Paso—serving a diverse and growing Muslim community—find themselves barred from participating.
Despite the launch of a $1 billion state-funded voucher initiative, nearly all Islamic private schools remain excluded, raising concerns over alleged ties, lack of transparency, and accusations of religious discrimination.
The state comptroller’s office has blocked nearly two dozen Islamic schools, citing alleged connections to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which Governor Greg Abbott has labeled a terrorist organization, according to the Houston Chronicle
However, affected schools insist they have no ties to CAIR and have received no guidance or explanation from the state.
Initially, three Islamic-oriented schools were approved, but after media coverage, all were removed from the list, leaving no Islamic private schools eligible. Administrators and parents express frustration and a sense of discrimination, noting that other Cognia-accredited Christian, Jewish, and secular schools have since been approved.
The ongoing vetting process, which also scrutinizes possible links to the Chinese government, has left Muslim families feeling excluded from tuition assistance and questioning the fairness and transparency of the program.
The newspaper reported that the Palm Tree Academy in El Paso hoped Texas’ new private school voucher program would boost enrollment and eventually help the community establish a middle school.
The private academy, which has operated for nearly 30 years, is the only full-time school serving El Paso’s small but growing Muslim community, which includes many longstanding Hispanic Muslim families as well as more recent Arab and South Asian immigrants drawn to jobs at local hospitals and universities.
But on Wednesday, as families statewide began applying for the state-funded tuition subsidies, Palm Tree was among nearly two dozen Islamic schools that remained blocked from participating in the $1 billion program.
The state comptroller’s office said it has held up a handful of schools over alleged ties to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, an advocacy group that Gov. Greg Abbott has deemed a terrorist organization. But the move is affecting schools like Palm Tree, which say they have never been in contact with CAIR and have received no information from the state about why they have not been invited to apply.
As of Wednesday morning, only three of the roughly 25 accredited Islamic-oriented private schools in Texas had been admitted to the program: Bayaan Academy in League City, Ameen Academy in Plano, and Ilm Academy in Lewisville.
Masoud emphasized that his school has never had contact with CAIR or the Muslim Brotherhood, another group declared a terrorist organization by Abbott.
Masoud said his faith and philosophy led him to avoid assuming any malicious intent on the part of state officials.
“I don’t agree with it, but I have to understand where they’re coming from, based on whatever information they were given,” Masoud said. “I’m still expecting the worst, but I really hope for the best. I have to look at it this way.”
What must Muslim schools do?
Muslim school administrators have been urged to seek clarification and guidance from State Authorities. School administrators, such as Nazmi Masoud at Palm Tree Academy, have not received clear instructions or reasons for their exclusion. The immediate step is to continue reaching out to the Texas Comptroller’s office for official communication about the application process, eligibility criteria, and specific concerns that led to their exclusion.
Provide Documentation and Transparency
Since the state is conducting a “rigorous due diligence review” over alleged ties to organisations like CAIR and concerns about accreditation, schools should proactively submit documentation proving their independence from such groups and clarify their academic mission. This may help address the vetting concerns and expedite their review.
Monitor Application Deadlines and Updates
Although the student application window closes in March, there is no fixed deadline for schools to apply. Schools should continue to monitor updates from the Comptroller’s office and be ready to submit or resubmit their applications as new information becomes available.
Engage with Advocacy and Legal Support
Some administrators and parents have raised concerns about religious discrimination. Schools may consider working with advocacy organizations or legal counsel to ensure their rights are protected and to challenge any exclusion that appears to be based solely on religion.
Communicate with Parents and Community
It’s important for school leaders to keep families informed about the situation, the steps being taken, and any progress. Transparency will help maintain trust and support within the community.
Document All Correspondence and Decisions
Schools should keep detailed records of all communications with state agencies and any decisions or changes to their application status. This documentation may be useful if they need to appeal or seek further review.