Article Summary –
JD Vance, during a Peoria rally, spread misinformation about Arizona’s education system, alleging non-English speakers hinder American students’ learning. Janelle Bowles, linked to election denialism, and Jeff Tobey, endorsed by prominent Republicans, supported Vance. Arizona school board races are nonpartisan.
JD Vance Misinformation in Arizona: Supported by Peoria School Board Candidates
Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance made a campaign stop in Peoria on Tuesday, spreading misinformation about Arizona’s education system.
Vance, known for his nativist and anti-immigrant rhetoric, suggested that students who don’t speak English as a first language negatively impact the education of “American children.” He questioned the role of teachers in Arizona schools focusing on non-English speaking students.
“In Arizona schools right now, we have thousands of children who can’t speak the local language,” Vance claimed, questioning the impact on “American children” when teachers are diverted from teaching them.
Notably, the United States has no official language, and research indicates that immigrant students can boost US-born students’ high school completion rates.
In attendance at Vance’s rally were Janelle Bowles and Jeff Tobey, both running for the Peoria school board.
Bowles, sister of Arizona Republican Sen. Anthony Kern, has demonstrated election denialism on her Instagram account. Posts include transphobic rhetoric and imagery associated with White Nationalism and the 2020 “Stop the Steal” movement.
Tobey has received endorsements from several Republicans, including Abe Hamadeh and Sen. Shawnna Bolick. He expressed gratitude to Vance on Twitter, while Bowles also thanked Vance on Twitter.
School board elections in Arizona are nonpartisan.
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