Horne dissents in State Board vote to delay process to remove DEI language from teaching standards

$866 million in federal dollars at stake

PHOENIX – State schools chief Tom Horne says he strongly disagrees with postponing the effort to remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language from state teaching standards, saying the federal government may withhold an estimated $866 million, and this issue must be addressed immediately.  Following today’s board action, the matter will be placed on the December agenda.

Horne stated, “I respectfully but strongly disagree with the vote to postpone opening the rule-making process. The president issued an Executive Order requiring DEI language to be removed from programs funded by federal dollars. It made it abundantly clear that federal education funding is at risk if DEI language remains in education programs. Failure to comply with federal guidance may result in the loss of an estimated $866 million to Arizona schools. That is a major funding cut to our schools, and we need to begin dealing with this as soon as possible.”

He added, “Not only is the $866 million at risk, there is a philosophical issue at stake too. All people should be judged based on their character and ability, not their race or ethnicity. DEI language and programs promote the exact opposite, and they have no place in the classroom. The teaching standards, unfortunately, include DEI references, and they need to be removed.”

The teaching standards in question include references to teaching “equitably” and with a focus on “responsiveness to the cultural backgrounds and differing perspectives learners bring to the learning environment.” They also refer to understanding the “social, emotional and cultural needs of students” in the classroom.

Horne added, “These terms do not belong in teaching standards. The standards are meant to direct educators on the most effective ways to teach students' core academics. Every instructional minute is precious, and DEI efforts distract from that essential mission.”