Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed suit against Texas American Muslim University (TexAM) for operating without required state authorization, offering unauthorized degrees, and misleading prospective students. TexAM lacked the necessary certificate of authority to operate as a private postsecondary institution, had a forfeited nonprofit corporate charter, and used branding confusingly similar to Texas A&M University. The AG seeks injunctive relief and civil penalties exceeding $1 million for violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) and Texas Education Code.
In-house legal teams at educational institutions or entities contracting with educational providers should review vendor and partnership agreements for clauses related to confirmation of valid certificates of authority, accreditation status, and degree-granting authorization from relevant state agencies. Teams should also include clauses requiring vendors to maintain active corporate charters, avoid trademark infringement (including confusingly similar branding to established institutions), and promptly disclose any cease and desist orders or regulatory actions. Additionally, agreements should include representations and warranties regarding the legality of offered degrees and programs to protect against liability from deceptive practices.
Entity
Texas American Muslim University
Industry
Education"Texas American Muslim University"
"violations of the DTPA and the Texas Education Code"
"civil penalties exceeding $1 million"
"unlawfully presenting itself as a university, offering degrees it is not authorized to grant, and misleading prospective students about its legitimacy"
"May 18, 2026"
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) over concerns that the organization may be promoting and recommending childhood vaccines for financial gain. The AAP has been issued a Civil Investigative Demand to determine the basis of its vaccine recommendations and whether they are influenced by financial incentives from pharmaceutical donors.
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$150.0M
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a $150 million multistate settlement against 23andMe following a 2023 data breach that exposed genetic and personal data of 6.9 million consumers. The settlement resolves bankruptcy claims and requires enhanced data security, risk assessments, and an independent advisory board, with immediate recovery of $18 million from bankruptcy funds.