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Hobbs, Mayes ask judge to throw out lawsuit over dual language programs

Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne is suing Gov. Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes and several school districts over dual language programs.

Horne says despite evidence of those immersion programs being successful, they violate a 2003 voter-approved law.

“The language of the initiative passed by over 60% of the voters says that English language learners will be instructed in English by being taught in English," Horne said.

Attorneys for Hobbs and Mayes say Horne is suing the wrong offices and are asking a judge to throw out the litigation. In a separate filing, the school districts say they did nothing wrong. They all say this is an issue with the Board of Education. But Horne has refused to sue the board.

A hearing is set for January.

Jill Ryan joined KJZZ in 2020 as a morning reporter, and she is currently a field correspondent and Morning Edition producer.