Horne Seeks Federal Intervention Against SUSD for Breaching “No DEI” Commitment

By Matthew Holloway |

The Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, has announced plans to report the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) to the federal government. This move follows SUSD’s adoption of a DEI-focused curriculum, in direct contradiction of the pledge against such teachings signed by Superintendent Scott Menzel.

Horne stated, “Today I’m announcing that I will report to the federal government that the Scottsdale School District has violated the statement they signed that they would not teach DEI. They adopted a DEI-oriented textbook, or more than one book actually, over parental objections.”

Joining him was Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, who raised concerns regarding the anti-police sentiment within the curriculum. “At a time when law enforcement agencies are expanding their focus on community outreach, it is counterproductive for schools to push a misguided narrative that makes students fearful of local law enforcement officers,” he said. Sheridan emphasized the bravery of Arizona’s police officers who work diligently to keep communities safe.

Horne criticized specific portions of the textbook, “U.S. History Interactive” by the Savvas Learning Company, labeling it as “unbalanced political propaganda.” He highlighted instances where the text presents a one-sided view of significant events, citing a claim that many people, including Black Lives Matter activists, believe that racism is deeply embedded in the United States. Horne noted the absence of alternative perspectives in these discussions.

He pointed to a passage discussing the 2020 protests, stating, “The riots were described as largely peaceful, despite footage depicting violence.” Additionally, he critiqued portrayals of the Ferguson incident, calling it misleading to focus solely on one witness’s account without acknowledging an objective investigation that declared the officer acted in self-defense.

Another highlighted quote discussed civil resistance, suggesting it as a means to combat perceived authoritarianism. Horne retorted, “This suggestion fundamentally misrepresents our democratic system. We encourage students to engage through the electoral process, not to resist their government.”

On socioeconomic discussions related to the LGBTQ+ community, Horne challenged the notion that financial oppression is prevalent among LGBTQ+ individuals, citing high median incomes among those in same-sex marriages.

Furthermore, Horne raised issues with another textbook, “APHUG 5: Human Geography,” regarding its portrayal of Republican lawmakers and districting practices, which he claimed misrepresented historical civil rights efforts initiated by the Democratic Party.

In response, Scottsdale Superintendent Scott Menzel defended the curriculum. He contended that Horne’s sweeping labels of “woke” content were unjustified without thorough textual review. Menzel argued that historical discussions, including those of policing, are essential for student understanding.

SUSD’s official statement dismissed Horne’s claims of indoctrination as unfounded, yet did not address the specific examples he provided.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.