School districts in Arizona are facing a crucial decision as the deadline to comply with the U.S. Department of Education's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and the risk of losing federal funds loom closer. According to ABC15, districts had until Thursday to certify their compliance with federal DEI, Title VI, and Civil Rights Act requirements by signing a specific form. Paradise Valley Unified School District has already approved signing, yet Tolleson Union High School District, under Superintendent Jeremy Calles, who previously served as CFO, has rejected the certification in a dramatic display. Calles tore up the document, stating, "I could not, in good conscience, sign that document."
State Superintendent Tom Horne has indicated that the repercussions for non-compliance by school districts could begin as early as the upcoming budget. Out of Arizona's 658 school districts, reported by AZ Family, around 511 had submitted the compliance form by Wednesday afternoon. This matter is particularly pressing, as Arizona relies heavily on federal support for K-12 public education, with significant contributions directed towards low-income schools and students with disabilities.
Amid controversy and claims of no legal basis for the threat of withholding funds by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, the Kyrene School District Governing Board has taken a definitive stance. Kyrene Governing Board President Kevin Walsh outlined the district's position during a meeting, conveying, "the District can provide assurance that it has policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Policy and the Social Emotional Learning and Wellness Policy." In a motion, Walsh authorized action to meet the certification requirements posed by the Arizona Department of Education.
While compliance is being debated, the U.S. Department of Education clarifies that DEI policies would not interfere with traditional historical observances, like Black History Month, so long as they are inclusive. Nevertheless, leaders of education groups have expressed confusion over the mandate's implications. According to the same AZ Family's report, some educators remain uncertain about permissible actions under the DEI guidance. At this point, it remains unclear which school districts, apart from those mentioned, have completed or abstained from the certification process.
