PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Education has a new webpage that identifies whether schools follow the Trump administration’s directives on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department directed Arizona schools to sign DEI compliance letters or risk losing federal funding.
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said the website reflects his commitment to transparency.
“I am committed to following the law and will abide by the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of Education to take no action against schools until further notice,” Horne said in a Tuesday announcement from the Arizona Department of Education.
Details on Arizona Department of Education stance on DEI compliance
There is ongoing confusion surrounding what is considered or defined as a DEI program.
Nationally, two judges have blocked the administration’s attempts to stop DEI noncompliant schools from receiving federal money.
New Hampshire Judge Landya McCafferty said the letters aren’t clear on what the department views as a DEI program or what violates civil rights laws, according to an Associated Press report.
However, Horne said he supports President Donald Trump’s DEI policies.
“Federal law and the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution are clear that no person shall be discriminated because of race, skin color or ethnicity, and this guidance aligns completely with my philosophy. By contrast, the use of DEI programs does just the opposite and promotes racial discrimination,” Horne said in the announcement.
“I believe the DEI guidance will eventually be upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court and districts and charter schools need to treat this issue seriously.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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