Chaos Erupts as Pinal Sheriff Challenges Anti-DEI Pledge in Two Local Districts!

The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) has officially issued a new compliance list, revealing which school districts have signed the recent anti-DEI pledge mandated by the U.S. Department of Education for securing federal funding. The application of this requirement has raised significant concerns across various educational institutions in the state.

In Maricopa County, all school districts have complied, including A+ Charter Schools, Heritage Academy, Leading Edge Academy, and Maricopa Unified School District (MUSD). MUSD’s governing board voted unanimously to sign the pledge last week, although board members expressed discomfort with the ambiguous wording of the policy.

Board member Patti Coutré remarked, “I dislike being forced into something I don’t fully understand. However, we cannot afford to lose $13 million in federal funding.” This funding is essential for various services, impacting over 400 families across districts like CAVIT and Kyrene.

On the contrary, 67 districts state-wide, including several in Pinal County, opted not to sign. Notable exceptions include the Central Arizona Valley Institute of Technology (CAVIT) and schools in the Imagine network.

Interestingly, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office appears on the compliance list without clear justification. ADE spokesperson Doug Nick speculated that the office might house an accommodation school for youth. Pinal County Sheriff’s representative Sam Salzwedel has voiced confusion regarding this categorization.

The refusal to sign has sparked concerns about potential funding cuts. Arizona’s largest districts, such as Mesa Unified School District, have also declined to comply, raising alarms about the future of educational resources for nearly 85,000 students.

In contrast, Kyrene Elementary District signed the pledge but faces criticism for a recent policy adopted in April that emphasizes social-emotional wellness. ADE warns that this policy contradicts the pledge by failing to align with federal civil rights mandates, particularly under Title IX.

The Kyrene Governing Board released a statement reiterating its commitment to equity in education. This includes fostering an inclusive environment for both students and staff. Yet, Superintendent Tom Horne’s warning about funding risks looms large, revealing the contentious balance between state and federal educational policies.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has challenged the ADE’s authority to withhold funds, asserting that such actions unfairly disrupt crucial educational resources. Amidst this legal backdrop, the complexities surrounding the anti-DEI pledge continue to unfold.