PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Education has launched a new webpage identifying which schools are complying with the Trump administration’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.
The move comes after the U.S. Department of Education directed school districts nationwide to sign DEI compliance letters or risk losing federal funding.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said the page reflects a commitment to transparency.
“I am committed to following the law and will abide by the latest guidance from the U.S. Department of Education to take no action against schools until further notice,” Horne said Tuesday.
Despite legal uncertainty around what qualifies as a DEI program, Horne said he supports the Trump administration’s guidance, calling DEI programs discriminatory.
“Federal law and the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution are clear that no person shall be discriminated against because of race, skin color or ethnicity,” Horne said. “This guidance aligns completely with my philosophy. By contrast, the use of DEI programs does just the opposite and promotes racial discrimination.”
At the national level, two federal judges have issued rulings that temporarily block the administration from defunding schools over noncompliance, citing unclear definitions and potential civil rights violations.
Nonetheless, Horne said he believes the Supreme Court will ultimately uphold the Trump administration’s policy and is urging districts and charter schools to prepare accordingly.
