New Charter School Accused of Having Ties to Islamic Extremist Group

The punches just keep coming for the new Harmony Science Academy in Odessa, which isn’t even opened yet. The school continues being accused of having ties to an Islamic extremist group. The West Texas Patriots, a citizens’ organization, is responsible for bringing the allegations to light. The organization said they have research on their web site http://www.wtxpatriots.org/joomla/ that proves the school has connections to a radical Islamic group. The group protested outside the school on Saturday.

"We do have in fact links from the Harmony charter school to the [Fethullah] Gulen Foundation,” said Michelle Fowler, a member of the West Texas Patriots. “He is a radical Islamic.”

“I will say that the allegations that are being made and that have been brought to light are not true," said Julie Norton, the Math and Science Director of the Harmony Schools

Norton also denies that their schools accept funding from religious organizations.   

“We receive funding from the state for student attendance and that's how we receive a portion of our funds. We also receive funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and also the Dell Foundation," she said.

"The charter holds several exemplary and recognized campuses academically and at this time there's nothing on the agency files that show any investigations, said TEA spokeswoman DeEtta Culbertson.

The Texas Education Agency audits the school every year, but they only look over state and federal grants, including state ADA funds.

"A charter school can solicit funds and grants from various private entities," said Culbertson

That's why some say not all their finances are being tracked.

“We just want to inform the parents and community to research for themselves," said Fowler.

The school is suppose to open in late August.