Arizona Schools Face Compliance Challenges with Federal DEI Guidance
The Arizona Department of Education is navigating a complex landscape following the release of a federal list identifying school districts’ compliance with new guidance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This development comes in the wake of court decisions overturning former President Trump’s directive to withdraw funding from schools incorporating DEI initiatives.
In early April, the U.S. Department of Education issued a letter to state officials. The letter called for certification of adherence to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, highlighting that the use of “illegal DEI practices” could result in severe repercussions, including the potential withdrawal of federal funding.
Among the districts opting not to comply with this request is the Phoenix Union High School District. Officials have decided to withhold their signature pending the resolution of legal challenges. A district representative emphasized in an email to KJZZ:
“The Phoenix Union High School District is in compliance with all federal civil rights laws, including Title VI. The DEI attestation sent on April 3, is subject to two separate injunctions issued by federal courts last week. It is therefore inaccurate for the Arizona Department of Education’s webpage to label Phoenix Union as non-compliant. PXU will continue monitoring the court cases on this matter and will take further action as appropriate.”
In a dramatic display of opposition, Jeremy Calles, superintendent of the Tolleson Union High School District, destroyed the certification letter during a governing board meeting. “I have grown up with diversity, equity and inclusion being a good thing and with that, I cannot in good conscience sign that document,” Calles declared, expressing concern over the vague language and unspecified threats contained within the letter.
The Arizona Department of Education has clarified that the list of compliant and non-compliant districts is purely informational until the court cases are resolved. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Education has assured state education agencies that no further action regarding the Title VI Certification Letter (DEI) will be taken unless new instructions are issued.
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