Texas Muslim Schools Rush to Court as March 17 Deadline Threatens Faith‑Based Education
Islamic schools and parents say Texas is unlawfully blocking Muslim families from education funds — and time is running out before applications close
A coalition of Islamic schools and Texas parents has filed a federal lawsuit against the State of Texas, calling for the looming March 17, 2026, parent-application deadline as a critical barrier for families hoping to secure funding for faith-based education.
The group argue that the exclusion of Islamic institutions from the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program violates constitutional protections.
Bayaan Academy Inc., the Islamic Services Foundation, the Eagle Institute, and several families are seeking immediate relief from the courts.
The plaintiffs claim that while TEFA allows parents to direct state funds toward private and religious schools, no Islamic schools have been approved, despite meeting the program’s requirements.
Attorneys Speak Out
Eric Hudson, one of the lead attorneys, said:
“The State of Texas cannot pick and choose which religions are worthy of equal treatment. Excluding Islamic schools from TEFA is a clear violation of the First Amendment.”
Maha Ghyas emphasized the impact on families: “Parents are being forced to choose between their faith and their children’s education. That is not a choice the Constitution allows the government to impose.”
Maria A. Kari, representing several of the plaintiffs, added:
“This lawsuit is about fairness. Islamic schools meet the criteria, yet they are being denied access solely because of religion. That is discrimination, plain and simple.”
Relief Requested
The lawsuit asks the court to:
Halt enforcement of the March 17 deadline until legality is reviewed.
Issue emergency relief preventing Texas officials from excluding Islamic schools.
Order the state to administer TEFA in compliance with constitutional protections.
Voices Behind the Case
Attorneys representing the plaintiffs — including Eric Hudson, Cole Wilson, Maha Ghyas, Bradley W. Sende, Michael Adams-Hurta, Ayesha Najam, Michael Davis, Murtaza Sutarwalla, Mansoor Broachwala, Omar Khawaja, Abdul Farukhi, and Maria A. Kari — emphasize that families are being denied equal access to educational opportunities solely on the basis of religion.
Parents involved in the case say the exclusion undermines their right to choose schools that align with their faith and values, leaving them at a disadvantage compared to families of other religious traditions.