top of page
Search

A Turbulent Week for Students, Policy and Public Oversight

This week brings major developments that directly shape the environment queer and trans students learn in. The shutdown of the US Department of Education slows the civil-rights and oversight functions students rely on when districts fail them. In Arizona, the State Board of Education is preparing to revisit a proposal that would remove DEI language from teaching standards, signaling another critical moment for public engagement. And across the country, reporting shows how attacks on trans youth continue to be used as political strategy. In a moment when federal protections are uncertain and local decisions carry even more weight, community vigilance and early action matter more than ever.

Federal Policy Update


US Department of Education Shut Down


The US Department of Education is now shut down, which pauses many of its basic functions. Civil rights investigations slow or stop, federal grant timelines are delayed, and schools lose access to the department’s guidance and technical assistance. National outlets including the Guardian and the Associated Press have reported that several responsibilities are being shifted to other federal agencies during the shutdown, creating additional uncertainty for schools.


For Arizona’s queer and trans students, the impact is straightforward. When the federal agency charged with enforcing protections under laws like Title IX is not operating at full capacity, students who experience discrimination face longer waits for investigations and fewer immediate avenues for support. This does not change local policy decisions, but it weakens one of the key oversight systems that students and families rely on when problems arise.



State Board of Education Action


Arizona State Board of Education Vote On DEI Removal


In October, the Arizona State Board of Education paused its vote on Superintendent Tom Horne’s proposal to remove diversity, equity, and inclusion language from the state’s teaching standards. Horne pushed hard for an immediate vote, but the board chose to delay the decision and indicated it would revisit the issue at its December 8 meeting. The final agenda has not yet been released, but community members do not need to wait. The board is accepting public comment now. This is an opportunity for educators, families, and students to speak directly to the impact of stripping DEI language from teaching standards and to remind the board that inclusive classrooms are essential to student safety and learning.


Local School Board Action:


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 3: How School Boards Govern & Where Policy Power Really Sits


School boards shape district policy, student safety, curriculum, and budgets — but most decisions take form long before a final vote. In Arizona, new policies often appear first in “first readings,” where draft language is introduced. Boards also use work-study sessions to discuss major issues without voting, and committee recommendations often determine what reaches the full board. Consent agendas can bundle routine items with significant changes unless the community is paying attention.


Where the public actually sees things first:

The first real public notice comes when the agenda is posted, usually 24 to 72 hours before a meeting. This is often the earliest moment new policies, first readings, or major proposals become visible. Some districts also post agenda packets with the actual documents, but this varies.


Why it matters:

When people track agendas and speak early in the process, they can influence how board members understand the impact of their decisions. Public comment, emails, and showing up at meetings all shape whether policies move forward, stall, or change. Community oversight strengthens protections for queer and trans students and pushes districts toward more inclusive practice.


Learn more about how boards work: https://schoolsup.org/governing-board-elections


Next week - Part 4: How to engage with your school board effectively.

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!



Comments

bottom of page