Arizona Board Delays Vote on DEI Removal, Risks $866 Million Federal Funding

The Arizona State Board of Education has postponed a vote on removing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) language from state teaching standards until December, delaying compliance with President Trump's 2025 Executive Order which mandates the removal of DEI language from federally funded programs. State Superintendent Tom Horne strongly opposes the delay, warning that it risks the loss of approximately $866 million in federal education funding for Arizona schools. Board members requested more information on the revision process and the composition of committees to ensure a transparent and well-considered approach, with some expressing concerns about removing language related to students' native languages. Critics of the urgency, including educators and union leaders, argue that the DEI language removal is unnecessary and the funding threat is overstated. The issue remains contentious, balancing the risk of significant financial cuts against philosophical and educational concerns, and will be revisited in December. The debate reflects broader tensions over DEI policies in education under the current presidential administration.