Deadline is here: How many Arizona school districts have complied with DEI policy
The Arizona Department of Education says as of Wednesday afternoon, 511 out of 658 districts have complied.
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona school districts could be losing federal funding if they don’t comply with the Trump administration’s plan to get rid of DEI programs.
The deadline is April 24th, according to the Arizona Department of Education, which means districts must sign and turn in needed compliance forms now.
Arizona’s Family asked State Superintendent Tom Horne what happens if districts decide not to comply: how soon could they lose federal funding?
“We’re in touch with the federal government,” Horne said this week. “And we’ll have to check. But I would assume the next budget, which is coming up.”
Arizona is one of several states that rely mostly on federal funding to support K-12 public schools, including millions of dollars that help low-income schools and students with disabilities.
Horne tells us of the 658 districts across Arizona, as of Wednesday afternoon, about 511 have turned in the form.
This week, the Kyrene School District Governing Board unanimously voted to move forward and sign. Earlier this month, it adopted a staff social-emotional wellness policy, and Horne said it was at risk of losing more than $1 million.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes chimed in, saying there was no legal basis for Horne’s threat.
Here is what the Kyrene Governing Board President Kevin Walsh said during the Wednesday meeting:
According to the U.S. Department of Education website, historical observances like Black History Month would not violate DEI policies so long as they don’t exclude or discourage anyone from participating.
Still, this month, Arizona’s Family has heard from leaders of education groups, including the Arizona School Administrators Association, who say there’s no evidence of DEI at Arizona schools, so the new mandate is creating confusion. Some educators are also concerned over what’s allowed and what’s not.
It’s unclear which districts have not signed the certification form.
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