Grand Canyon Times

The Kyrene School District in Phoenix faces the loss of more than $1.5 million in federal funding after its governing board voted to incorporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language into its policies. This decision comes in direct defiance of recent federal guidelines that warn against promoting DEI initiatives.

During the April 8 meeting, the district adopted the "Staff Social Emotional Wellness Policy," which emphasizes a commitment to diversity in the workplace, contradicting the U.S. Department of Education's guidance. The department has made it clear that adherence to DEI language will jeopardize federal allocations meant for low-income school programs, teacher training, and other educational needs.

State schools leader Tom Horne emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "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 further added that the use of DEI contradicts federal laws and the 14th Amendment's stance on racial discrimination.

The U.S. Department of Education has recently issued notifications to state education agencies, dictating that institutions receiving federal funds must cease using racial preferences in various facets of their operations. Schools are required to certify compliance by April 24, or face a hold on their funding.

The Arizona Department of Education has communicated this requirement to all districts and charter schools, stressing the necessity of compliance. It has also completed its own compliance certification.