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The Push to Erase Equity Continues. So Do We.

Arizona’s education landscape keeps shifting, even when the attacks aren’t spelled out on the agenda. DEI isn’t up for a vote this month, but Superintendent Tom Horne continues pushing to dismantle the programs that make schools safer for queer and trans students. Local districts are seeing the same pressure play out in public comment, where anti-trans and anti-equity rhetoric is showing up in debates that have nothing to do with students’ rights.


This moment calls for steady community oversight and a clear refusal to let this climate shape policy in silence. Your voice and vigilance are moving the needle.

🌵 State Board of Education Action


The Arizona State Board of Education meets Monday, December 8th at 9am. The agenda is out, and while the proposal to remove DEI language from teaching standards is not listed this month, Superintendent Tom Horne continues to publicly call for DEI positions and initiatives to be eliminated across Arizona schools. These efforts target programs that help queer and trans students feel seen, supported, and safe.


The Board still needs to hear from people who expect schools to affirm every student.


 



Thanks for raising your voice for inclusive, safe schools in Arizona.

🏫 Local School Board Action:


Scottsdale Unified School District


Three speakers inject anti-trans and anti-DEI rhetoric into a school-closure debate


At the November 18 board meeting, most public comments focused on potential school closures at Pima and Echo Canyon. Even so, three speakers used their time to push attacks on DEI, social-emotional learning, and trans students - despite these not being agenda items.


Highlights:


  • Claims of a “Menzel manifesto” and “anti-police curriculum.”

  • Allegations of firing due to deadnaming students.

  • Outright hostility toward Superintendent Menzel, with accusations of lying to the President.


No harmful policies were introduced, but the rhetoric signals a familiar tactic: wedge anti-trans narratives into unrelated public comment to shift public perception and build momentum for future policy attacks. We’re tracking this district closely.


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Take Action In YOUR School District


Email policy@justschools.org with any red flag issues coming up in your school or at your local school board meetings.


Apply to become a Just Schools Hall Monitor volunteer and help track what’s happening in your district. We’ll train you to spot red flags, understand policy decisions, and share reports that strengthen our collective advocacy for inclusive, well-funded schools.



🗳️ Weekly Civic Power Series


Part 4: How to Engage your School Board Effectively


Public oversight doesn’t work if people only show up at the final vote. Impact grows when community members intervene early, consistently, and strategically. Here’s how to do it well:


1. Track agendas before meetings

Agendas post 24–72 hours before meetings. This is usually the first, and sometimes only, public window into new proposals. Read them. Flag questions. Share concerns.


2. Email board members early

Board members rely on what they hear first. Early messages shape their sense of community priorities long before the vote happens.


3. Speak during public comment

Even two minutes changes trajectory. You’re not just talking to the board. You’re speaking to local press, district staff, and every listener who needed to know they aren’t alone.


4. Mobilize others

A handful of coordinated voices can outweigh a crowd. Bring three friends. Share talking points. Make it easy for people to show up.


5. Follow up after meetings

If something concerning appears at a “first read,” email board members again. Ask questions. Get clarification. Keep a spotlight on it.


Community members have more influence than they think. Boards respond to consistent pressure, informed questions, and organized turnout. When you show up, it shifts the energy in the room.


Next week - Part 5: How to Build Power Power in your District Beyond Public Comment

🗞️ In the News





🧾 Discrimination & Harassment Complaint Form


Queer students continue to face discrimination, slurs, and harassment from peers and even faculty. Documenting these incidents matters. Each report ensures state officials can’t ignore the problem. Bullying and discrimination harm students’ education, mental health, and safety.


💪 Stand With Students


Every student deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen at school. Your involvement, whether as a Hall Monitor, volunteer, or donor – keeps that promise alive. Get involved today!



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