State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne is
complying with federal executive orders to formally open the process of reviewing statewide teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) standards.
This has been a
prolonged issue for Horne, who, in October, strongly opposed delaying action to remove these services. He had previously raised concerns that DEI principles in the classroom could detract from students’ character. He was waiting for the recent meeting to voice his concerns again and urge Arizona to move forward.
In doing so, Horne reveals that without compliance, Arizona's school funding could lose $866 million, resulting in a significant funding cut, and urges the process to begin.
“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,” the superintendent explained.
Although the Arizona Department of Education offers a portal to help with this compliance, its very existence shows that the state is still navigating how DEI should fit into public education, federal expectations, and the state’s English-only requirements.
Department’s End-Goal
The goal is to form a group that represents all 15 counties, bringing in teachers from general education, special education, and other educator roles.
In addition to helping identify potential members, the department will consult with major stakeholder organizations, including higher education partners, county superintendents, administrators, educator associations, and current Structured English Immersion providers.
The process is set to begin in 2026, concluding with a draft for board consideration by September of that year. In finalizing the draft, members will review which language will be revised or deleted, creating new definitions for DEI-related terms.
“There is a philosophical issue at stake, too. All people should be judged based on their character and ability, not their race or ethnicity," Horne explained. DEI language and programs promote the exact opposite, and they have no place in the classroom. These terms do not belong in teaching standards, which 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.”