Horne says Kyrene School District in Tempe risks losing federal funds over draft policy

On Tuesday, the Kyrene School District in Tempe preliminarily approved a social and emotional wellness workplace cultures policy for its staff. It still awaits a final vote.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne says it could risk the district’s federal funding.

The draft policy generally reads as a belief statement the district will follow in creating its workplace environment. It says that equity is necessary to ensure all staff have fair access to support and growth opportunities.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education sent letters effectively saying districts with DEI policies can be at risk of losing federal money.

Horne says the policy’s mention of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is the issue.

"I think what Kyrene has done is outrageous on two fronts, number one: they are going to forfeit a lot of money for their kids education. They’re not really representing the interests of their students. Number two: they’re doing something that I think is wrong philosophically," Horne said.

In a written statement, the district’s superintendent said all of its policies follow federal and state laws.

"The Kyrene Promise pledges “to provide welcoming, inclusive learning environments in which every student is honored, valued, and feels a strong sense of belonging and purpose.” We stand behind that commitment. All Kyrene policies, including policies around inclusion and social-emotional wellness, are in compliance with state and federal law, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. I encourage anyone with questions to read the language in Kyrene’s policies, some of it pulled directly from Title VI," said Kyrene Superintendent Laura Toenjes.

Horne says the move from the district is putting it at risk of losing $1.5 million. But he also says DEI equates to what he called “racial entitlement.”

“So if racial entitlements were to prevail over individual merit, we would become a mediocre country, China would be the world power and they would be calling the shots," Horne said.

When asked if the Trump administration knew about Kyrene School District’s move, Horne said, “well, they will now."

Read the policy