Arizona Senate President Urges Federal Action on DEI Policies at State Colleges

EXCLUSIVE: Arizona State Senate President Warren Petersen is planning to communicate with Education Secretary Linda McMahon to address what he describes as a crisis related to the proliferation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, often referred to as DEI, in colleges across the Grand Canyon State.

Petersen, a Republican from Gilbert, believes the previous administration was correct to prioritize the reduction of what he terms ‘un-American propaganda’ on campuses. This includes the ongoing implementation of DEI programs that he argues foster division among students.

He stated, “For too long, state and federal officials have permitted university leaders—including regents and presidents—to indoctrinate young adults. Their actions have encouraged students to discredit the greatness of our nation while promoting discriminatory ideas against others.”

Furthermore, Petersen expressed disappointment in the inadequate response from many colleges regarding ongoing antisemitic incidents affecting Jewish communities. He indicated that some institutions have merely executed the bare minimum, while others have shown little to no action in defense of their Jewish students.

Accountability for Federal Funding

The senator emphasized his support for McMahon’s initiative to hold universities accountable for compliance with existing laws against discrimination. He noted that it is crucial for institutions receiving federal funding to adhere strictly to these regulations.

In his correspondence, Petersen remarked that several Arizona universities, including Arizona State University (ASU), have been listed as under federal investigation for potential violations. This scrutiny aligns with Petersen’s call for enhanced oversight of DEI practices at state colleges.

Concerns Over State Universities’ Use of Taxpayer Dollars

Petersen highlighted a growing concern regarding how state universities manage taxpayer funds. He criticized these institutions for their role in implementing DEI programs that, according to him, manifest troubling trends.

He provided examples, stating that several universities include job postings with commitments to DEI values and require staff and faculty to undergo training that promotes concepts such as ‘critiquing whiteness’ and the notion that ‘heterosexuality is privileged and going unquestioned.’ Additionally, students are often mandated to take courses in DEI-related themes, including ‘Introduction to Queer Studies’ and ‘Multicultural Perspectives of Natural Resource Management.’

Request for a Meeting

Petersen plans to request a meeting with Secretary McMahon to discuss methods of enforcing federal mandates and holding delinquent Arizona colleges accountable. He expressed concern that many recent reforms in the state might only serve as superficial adjustments to existing policies, saying they could be mere ‘window dressing.’

University’s Response to Federal Investigations

In response to ongoing federal investigations, officials from ASU have stated that the university is no longer associated with the controversial program identified by federal authorities. This assertion appears to be an attempt to distance the institution from further scrutiny.

This exchange highlights a significant moment as state leaders confront perceived issues surrounding DEI practices in Arizona’s higher education system. With increasing calls for accountability and transparency, the discourse surrounding DEI initiatives is likely to intensify.

As the discussion unfolds, it is clear that the balance between promoting inclusivity and ensuring compliance with federal laws will remain a pressing issue for colleges and universities in Arizona.