Grand Canyon Times

State Senator Hoffman expressed his disappointment in Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs after she announced the creation of a "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Council." Hoffman criticized the move, arguing that it diverts attention away from more pressing issues facing Arizona citizens.

"Instead of focusing on the real issues hurting our Arizona citizens, like soaring inflation, outrageous gas prices, a major housing shortage, water security, and a border crisis threatening the safety of our communities, Katie Hobbs is attempting to once again appeal to her radical left supporters by pushing woke garbage down the throats of our public employees through her creation of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Council," Hoffman said.

Hoffman also pointed out that Hobbs' new program violates state law, specifically statute A.R.S. 41-1494, which prohibits the use of "public monies for training, orientation or therapy that presents any form of blame or judgment on the basis of race, ethnicity, or sex." According to a press release from Arizona Senate Republicans, Hoffman believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion training is "divisive and racist progressive propaganda" that goes against the principles of merit-based evaluation.

Hobbs' council aims to consider factors like race, ethnicity, and sex when making decisions, rather than focusing solely on individuals' qualifications. Hoffman has been a vocal opponent of this approach since 2021 and is encouraging state employees who feel negatively impacted by the council's actions to file a complaint.

"Not only may the state not spend any funds on this type of training, but it cannot require state employees to be subject to this type of indoctrination," Hoffman stated in a press release from Arizona Senate Republicans. He believes that taxpayer dollars should only be used for the public good and that diversity, equity, and inclusion training undermines the culture of hard work and meritocracy within state agencies.

Hoffman, who began representing Arizona State Senate District 15 earlier this year, has a strong background in politics and government. He holds a bachelor's degree and multiple graduate degrees and is involved in various committees, including the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he serves as Vice Chair, and the Transportation and Technology Committee, among others.