The Collin County Democratic Party (CCDP) is accusing Allen Independent School District (AISD) of violating the federal Equal Access Act. This is after denying official recognition to the Progressive Eagles, a student-led Democratic club at Allen High School.
According to documents obtained by CCDP, the district rejected the club’s application because its mission was considered “identical to Politics for Teens” a nonpartisan discussion group. Party leaders say that reasoning constitutes illegal viewpoint discrimination. As the Equal Access Act protects student organizations formed around specific political or philosophical perspectives.
“The school’s justification is legally indefensible and factually incorrect,” said Jeremy Sutka, chair of the Collin County Democratic Party. “Telling Democratic students they can’t have their own club because a nonpartisan club exists is like telling the football team it can’t form because a general ‘sports club’ meets on campus.”
CCDP officials also point out that Allen High School hosts several faith-based organizations — including BEMA, FCA, and DOLLS — with overlapping missions. The school also recognizes Students for Life of America, which advocates against abortion rights.
“The school’s policy is clear: you can have three Christian clubs, but you can’t have one Democratic club,” said Hana Fayed. “They allow a club that advocates against abortion rights but deny one that supports LGBTQ+ equality, healthcare access, and immigration reform.”
After the denial was challenged, school officials reportedly offered new justifications. This includes misapplying Texas Senate Bill 12 and citing inaccurate fundraising rules. CCDP says the administration also failed to respond within its own seven-day deadline for club approvals.
“The shifting excuses—from claiming duplication to misquoting state law—show this was never about procedure,” Sutka added. “It was about silencing a viewpoint they disagree with.”
The Collin County Democratic Party is calling on the Allen ISD School Board and Superintendent. This is to grant official recognition to the Progressive Eagles and apply district policies consistently. The organization also plans to mobilize members to attend the next AISD board meeting in support of the students.
“These students have a constitutional right to organize,” Sutka said. “We stand with the Progressive Eagles and will ensure their voices are heard.”
