Horne praises Board action to start process to remove DEI language from teaching standards

Work to involve input from educators, other stakeholders

 PHOENIX – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne is pleased that the state Board of Education has approved opening the process to review statewide teaching standards to remove Diversity, Equity and Inclusion terms to comply with a federal Executive Order.

Horne stated, “This is an excellent decision by the Board and I’m grateful for their understanding of how important this issue is. 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. If Arizona does not comply with federal guidance, the state may lose an estimated $866 million to Arizona schools. That is a major funding cut, so starting this process is vital to addressing this situation.”

He added, “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. 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.”

The process will begin in early 2026 with the goal of providing draft material for Board consideration in September of 2026. The working group will build definitions for DEI-related language to determine what language should be revised or removed. The Board also approved language that any changes ensure high pedagogical standards be maintained.

The group will attempt to have representatives from all 15 counties, including teacher representatives from General Education, Special Education, and other educator subgroups. The department will work with key stakeholder groups to gather recommendations for the working group including Higher Education Institutions, County Education Superintendents, Arizona School Administrators, Arizona Rural School Association, Arizona Educators Association and Current Structured English Immersion Course Providers, among others.