The Goldwater Institute announced it has petitioned the Arizona Supreme Court to overturn a lower court decision, clearing the way for Professor Owen Anderson to challenge Arizona State University’s mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training as a violation of state law prohibiting discriminatory programs.
According to the Goldwater Institute’s social media post, ASU mandated Professor Anderson to complete DEI training as a condition of employment. The institute claims this mandate contravenes Arizona law, which bars government employers from enforcing participation in such trainings and using taxpayer funds for them. After an appeals court denied standing, the institute sought intervention from the Arizona Supreme Court to hold ASU accountable.
The Arizona Capitol Times reported that in 2025, lawmakers advanced bills aimed at prohibiting DEI practices in state agency hiring, training, and university curricula. These measures align with federal orders intended to end such programs. Senate Bill 1584 specifically bans using tax money for DEI-related job postings or required sessions. It is noted that dismantling these initiatives could lead to challenges in productivity and talent attraction. Consequently, Arizona public universities have removed DEI language from materials to avoid potential federal funding cuts.
Inside Higher Ed highlighted that 14 states enacted laws in 2025 restricting DEI in higher education, doubling the previous year’s total. This led to closures of offices and cultural centers at public institutions nationwide. Federal actions included executive orders and investigations into numerous colleges, prompting rebranding of student resources and elimination of race-conscious initiatives. These changes impacted enrollment support for underrepresented groups across over 100 universities affected by bans on mandatory trainings and diversity statements.
The Goldwater Institute was established in 1988 in Phoenix, Arizona, with endorsement from Senator Barry Goldwater. It functions as a public policy research and litigation group advocating for limited government, economic freedom, and individual liberty. The organization addresses issues related to education, free speech, healthcare, property rights, and occupational licensing through advocacy and legal actions nationwide. It has achieved over 400 policy and legal victories including reforms expanding school choice and reducing regulatory barriers.
