Horne: Federal dollars at risk if schools ignore new federal DEI guidance

Will forward updated information to schools

PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne is forwarding to schools statewide the new guidance issued today by the U.S. Department of Education requiring schools to acknowledge they will follow federal civil rights law and avoid the use of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. Schools that do not comply with the federal guidance risk losing federal funding.

Horne stated, “Title VI of federal civil rights law is clear that no person shall be discriminated on the basis of race, skin color or ethnicity, and this aligns completely with my philosophy. The 14th amendment to the Constitution says the same thing. By contrast, the use of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs does just the opposite and promotes racial discrimination. That has no place in education or society, and I have been working diligently to get it out of schools in Arizona. For example, the department requires every public school to attest on their School Report Cards that they respect all students as individuals, avoiding concepts like Critical Race Theory that promote racial division.  We are all individuals entitled to be judged by what we know, what we can do and our character, and not by our race. I agree with this guidance from the U.S. Department of Education because it upholds the 14th amendment to the Constitution and the laws that protect people from discrimination. Schools need to follow those laws and our Constitution.”

By the close of business today, the department will forward the document provided by the U.S. Department of Education that requires all public schools to attest that they will comply with the guidance in order to continue to receive federal dollars. Schools will have until April 14 to respond.

A copy of the letter is attached.