Tom Horne Says $866 Million in School Funding at Risk Over DEI Standards

State schools chief Tom Horne strongly opposes a decision to delay removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language from the state's teaching standards. Horne warns the delay could result in Arizona losing an estimated $866 million in federal education funding.

This week, the State Board of Education voted to postpone the process of removing DEI language from Arizona's teaching standards. The issue will be addressed at the board's December meeting instead of moving forward immediately.

Horne voiced his disagreement following the vote. "I respectfully but strongly disagree with the vote to postpone opening the rule-making process," he said.

Horne cited a recent presidential executive order requiring DEI language to be removed from programs that receive federal funding. According to Horne, the order clearly states that federal education funding could be withheld if states don't comply.

Federal Funding at Risk

For Arizona, this means approximately $866 million in federal dollars could be at stake. "That is a major funding cut to our schools, and we need to begin dealing with this as soon as possible," Horne stated.

The current teaching standards include language about teaching "equitably" and being responsive to students' "cultural backgrounds and differing perspectives."

The standards also emphasize understanding the "social, emotional, and cultural needs of students" in the classroom. Horne believes these terms don't 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," he explained.

Beyond the funding issue, Horne raised concerns about the principles behind DEI.

"All people should be judged based on their character and ability, not their race or ethnicity," he said. "DEI language and programs promote the exact opposite, and they have no place in the classroom."

The State Board of Education will revisit this issue at its December meeting. For now, the teaching standards stay the same, and it's still unclear whether Arizona will lose the federal funding.