A Texas high school student informed members of the House Subcommittee on the Constitution and Limited Government that she received death threats after voicing her concerns regarding the hijab and an Islamic group that handed out copies of the Quran at Wiley East High School.
Marco Hunter Lopez, a 16-year-old student from Wylie, Texas—near Dallas—testified about his experiences at the school after being invited to share his observations. Earlier this year, he established the Republican Student Club as a freshman and expressed his belief that this group was treated differently compared to others on campus.
During his testimony, Hunter Lopez explained that his group has encountered numerous challenges from school administrators. Initially, they were told the club couldn’t operate on campus due to a “district-wide policy against political clubs.” After several discussions with staff, they eventually gained approval to form the club.
This young student pointed out the unequal treatment faced by the Republican Student Club. He recounted an incident where principals caught him removing an approved poster. “I documented specific instances of biased treatment,” he stated. “After bringing in a guest speaker, the principal tried to impose last-minute rules. To keep me safe as a minor, my father had to assist the speaker with the required paperwork.”
Describing what was happening at these school-endorsed booths, students shared in written comments that they found it troubling. Copies of the Quran were distributed, along with a “Shahada card” that contained instructions for conversion. The declaration states, “To be a Muslim, one must say: ‘I testify that there is no god worthy of worship but God, and that Muhammad is God’s messenger.’” This activity occurred openly during lunch, with administrators present but not intervening.
In his testimony, Hunter Lopez recounted receiving threats after speaking about these issues. He described being told that people were waiting for him at home and even urged him to harm himself. “A lot has happened, but I remind myself that no one controls my narrative; I wake up each morning determined to keep moving forward,” he expressed.
Hunter Lopez also asserted that the Wylie School District provides certain accommodations for Muslim students that are not extended to those from other faiths. Currently, he said, the district offers halal meals, has a dedicated prayer room for Islamic practices, and maintains a Quran in at least one middle school library, while there are no Bibles available. He noted that conservative and Christian student groups have never received similar support or allowances.
