Grand Canyon Times

Arizona Department of Education Superintendent Tom Horne announced that the Kyrene School District will forfeit over $1.5 million in federal funds due to its adoption of a policy incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language into operations. The announcement was made in a press release on April 11, 2025.

According to the press release, at its April 8 meeting, the Kyrene district's governing board approved a "Staff Social Emotional Wellness Policy" that includes DEI language. This decision conflicts with recent U.S. Department of Education guidelines stating that schools promoting DEI policies risk losing federal funding. The district stands to lose more than $1.5 million in federal funds allocated for low-income students, teacher training, and other programs if it does not comply with new guidance prohibiting race-based preferences and stereotypes in school activities.

Horne said, "Kyrene and any district or charter that is not taking the federal DEI guidance will lose their federal dollars. The U.S. Department of Education has been abundantly clear with its most recent guidance against the use of DEI language in schools." He emphasized that "Federal law and the 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution are clear that no person shall be discriminated because of race, skin color or ethnicity, and this guidance aligns completely with my philosophy."

The U.S. Department of Education has instructed state agencies to ensure educational institutions stop using race as a factor in areas like admissions, hiring, and promotions. According to the press release, the Arizona Department of Education has communicated this directive to districts and charters, requiring them to certify compliance by April 24 to avoid funding suspension.

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