Tom Horne Superintendent | Arizona Department of Education
Horne has commended the recent decision by the Board to begin removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language from Arizona’s teaching standards. He referenced a presidential executive order that requires DEI language to be excluded from federally funded programs, noting that federal education funding could be at risk if these requirements are not met.
“This is an excellent decision by the Board and I’m grateful for their understanding of how important this issue is. The president issued an Executive Order requiring DEI language to be removed from programs funded by federal dollars. It made it abundantly clear that federal education funding is at risk if DEI language remains in education programs. If Arizona does not comply with federal guidance, the state may lose an estimated $866 million to Arizona schools. That is a major funding cut, so starting this process is vital to addressing this situation,” Horne said.
He also stated, “There is a philosophical issue at stake too. All people should be judged based on their character and ability, not their race or ethnicity. DEI language and programs promote the exact opposite, and they have no place in the classroom. These terms do not belong in teaching standards, which are meant to direct educators on the most effective ways to teach students' core academics. Every instructional minute is precious, and DEI efforts distract from that essential mission.”
The Board plans to start the process in early 2026 with draft material expected for review in September 2026. A working group will define DEI-related terms and determine what should be revised or removed from teaching standards. The Board has also agreed that any changes must maintain high pedagogical standards.
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