State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne praised the state Board of Education for beginning the process of removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language from Arizona’s teaching standards. The move is intended to align with a presidential Executive Order and protect federal funding. Horne warned that failing to comply could cost Arizona schools an estimated $866 million, according to a statement on the Arizona Department of Education website.
Horne also emphasized the philosophical basis for his position, saying assessments should focus on individual merit rather than racial or ethnic background. According to the Arizona Department of Education website, He argued that DEI language in the standards undermines that principle and distracts from core instruction. “DEI language and programs promote the exact opposite, and they have no place in the classroom,” Horne said.
The working group will include members from all 15 counties and represent a range of educational roles, including general and special education teachers, higher education leaders, county superintendents, and representatives from school and teacher associations.
The department said it will engage stakeholders throughout the process, including the Arizona School Administrators, Arizona Rural School Association, Arizona Educators Association, and providers of Current Structured English Immersion Courses. Officials noted that input from these groups will inform the drafting of the revised standards. The Board also approved measures to maintain high pedagogical standards while implementing any changes, emphasizing that educational quality will remain a priority.
