Texas Cites Accreditation Issues in Excluding Islamic Schools from Voucher Program

State attorneys argue technical problems, not religious discrimination, are behind the exclusion of Islamic schools from the state's $1 billion private school voucher program.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Attorneys representing the Texas Comptroller's Office and other state officials defended the exclusion of Islamic schools from the state's private school voucher program, arguing that the schools have not been approved due to accreditation issues, not because of their religious affiliation. The state is facing two lawsuits from Muslim parents alleging religious discrimination in the voucher program, which has approved over 2,000 schools, none of which are Islamic.

Why it matters

The exclusion of Islamic schools from the state's private school voucher program raises concerns about religious discrimination and equal access to educational opportunities. The lawsuits challenge the constitutionality of the state's actions and could have broader implications for the separation of church and state in Texas.

The details

According to the state's attorneys, the comptroller's office has faced issues processing and reviewing schools accredited by the nonprofit Cognia organization, which has led to delays in approving many private schools, including those with Islamic affiliations. The state claims it does not ask about or profile schools based on religious affiliation. However, the plaintiffs argue that three Islamic schools were initially approved but then removed from the program after media reporting, and that the governor's public statements indicate a bias against including Islamic schools.

  • The state's $1 billion private school voucher program application deadline is March 17, 2026.
  • The first lawsuit was filed earlier this month by a Houston-area parent.
  • A second lawsuit was filed on Wednesday by a group of Islamic schools and Muslim parents.

The players

Mehdi Cherkaoui

A Houston-area parent who filed a lawsuit against state officials, alleging they blocked Islamic schools from the voucher program. Cherkaoui has two children who attend Houston Qur'an Academy Spring, an Islamic K–12 school.

Zachary Rhines

The lead attorney representing Attorney General Ken Paxton, acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, and Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath in defending the state's exclusion of Islamic schools from the voucher program.

Judge Alfred Bennett

The federal judge presiding over the case, who expressed concern that none of the 30 Islamic schools that applied for the program had been accepted, while many Christian schools were approved.

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas, whose social media post supporting the exclusion of Islamic schools from the voucher program was presented as evidence of bias by the plaintiff.

Kelly Hancock

The acting Texas Comptroller, who lost his bid for re-election in the March GOP primary and has confirmed his office is investigating the funding sources of all Islamic schools that have applied for the voucher program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.