Az House Resolution Threatens Equity Measures as Ballot Decision Approaches

A proposed ballot measure in Arizona aimed at eliminating diversity initiatives in state schools and contracts has advanced. The Senate Government Committee, voting along party lines, approved a resolution introduced by House Speaker Steve Montenegro (R-Goodyear). This measure seeks to effectively prohibit any state-funded programs that focus on race, gender, or sexual orientation.

If passed, the resolution would impact multiple state agencies, including schools, by halting contracts favored by minority-owned businesses, blocking funding for racially diverse hiring, and forbidding discussions of gender identity, sexual orientation, and anti-racist concepts in educational settings.

Montenegro defended the measure by claiming it aims to restore a “color-blind” approach in state institutions. “This is to ensure that the state treats students and job applicants equally, regardless of race,” he stated. Despite his position, civil rights advocates argue that this legislation could undermine years of progress towards equality, disproportionately affecting minority communities and businesses led by people of color.

At the committee hearing, the only proponent of the bill was an education policy director from the Goldwater Institute, a conservative think tank. In contrast, numerous opponents, including representatives from LGBTQ+ advocacy group One-n-Ten and Reproductive Freedom for All Arizona, expressed their concerns. Katelynn Contreras from the ACLU remarked that the bill fails to address the complexities of discrimination, pointing to a recent poll indicating that around 60% of Americans support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Lobbyist Jeanne Woodbury, representing Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, voiced apprehension regarding the potential elimination of funding for schools with gender-diverse curricula, emphasizing its negative impact on the development of queer students. “A segregated society leads to poorer health outcomes,” she added.

Natashia Townsend from the nonprofit Our Voice Our Vote criticized the measure for exacerbating disadvantages faced by small business owners and marginalized groups. She highlighted the importance of programs like diversity scholarships that facilitate access to higher education for Black, Brown, and Indigenous students, cautioning that the proposed changes could dismantle such essential support systems.

Senator Lauren Kuby (D-Tempe) referred to the legislation as “drive-by legislation” and expressed her deep concerns about its implications. Conversely, Senator Wendy Rogers (R-Flagstaff) supported the bill, advocating for a return to merit-based rewards in hiring practices, a sentiment often echoed by Republicans who view diversity efforts as favoritism towards less qualified candidates.

This resolution echoes earlier efforts to roll back civil rights protections, mirroring an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump aimed at dismantling these protections at the federal level. Should the Senate approve the measure, it will appear on the 2026 ballot, continuing a historical trend; Montenegro previously sponsored a successful initiative in 2010 that eliminated affirmative action in Arizona.