Grand Canyon Times

The Arizona Department of Education has announced that state schools chief Tom Horne praised a recent U.S. Department of Education letter warning that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) racial discrimination could jeopardize federal funding and violate civil rights. This announcement was made in a press release on February 18.

According to the U.S. Department of Education's press release, a letter has been sent to educational institutions receiving federal funds, instructing them to cease using racial preferences and stereotypes in areas such as admissions, hiring, promotions, and scholarships. Institutions failing to comply may face investigations and potential loss of federal funding, with compliance assessments set to begin within 14 days. The letter also addresses DEI practices, expressing concerns over DEI offices and "bias response teams" investigating those who oppose certain racial ideologies, as well as the use of "diversity statements" and loyalty tests.

"I am glad the world is catching up to me," said Horne. "In 2007, I opposed the Ethnic Studies program in the Tucson district because it was based on racial discrimination using Critical Race Theory. In recent years, the use of CRT and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs have embedded discriminatory practices and attitudes among our school children. This is unacceptable."

Horne further said: "Since taking office in 2023, I have required that grant and contract recipients getting money from this department affirm that they do not use DEI. I also require every public school to publicly attest on their school report card whether or not they respect all students as individuals."

Tom Horne has served for 24 years on the board of Arizona’s third-largest school district, including ten years as president. He also served in the Arizona Legislature and as chair of the academic accountability committee. Horne was state superintendent of schools from 2003 to 2011 before being elected State Attorney General.