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Trans Awareness Week: Action and Accountability in Arizona Schools

This Trans Awareness Week arrives at a moment when decisions in Arizona’s school boardrooms are shaping daily life for queer and trans students. From Peoria’s vote to remove DEI to coordinated efforts targeting trans inclusion in Amphitheater — and now school closures being proposed in Scottsdale — it’s clear that high-impact decisions are happening fast. 


To meet this moment with strength, we’re launching our weekly Civic Power Series. Each week we’ll share one essential piece of civic knowledge to help our community understand how school systems work, how elections shape policy, and how collective action protects students. Staying informed is part of how we build power, and each one of us plays a role in that work.

🏫 School Board Action:


Peoria Unified: Vote on DEI Ban

On Thursday night, the Peoria Unified School District board voted 4 to 1 to adopt a policy that removes DEI, culturally responsive teaching, and restorative practices from district work. This decision pushes Peoria schools further away from practices that support queer and trans students, students of color, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities.



Just Schools will continue tracking how this policy is implemented and how it affects students and educators.

Amphitheater Public Schools: Show Up for Trans Students

The Amphitheater Public Schools board in Tucson meets on Tuesday, November 18 at 6 PM at 701 W Wetmore Rd, Tucson. A coordinated hate group is expected to attend and target the district’s support for transgender students during public comment. There is no trans policy on the agenda, but extremists plan to spread misinformation about safety and inclusion.


We need people who believe in welcoming schools to fill the room early, sign up to speak if possible, and stand with trans students and the educators who support them.


Need help preparing your remarks? Email policy@justschools.org for talking points and support.

Take Action In YOUR School District

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 1: How School Board Elections Work


School board seats in Arizona are elected during the general election every two years, with four-year terms. These races decide who shapes curriculum, student safety, and inclusive policy across entire districts.


Nationally, about one in three school board races go uncontested, creating openings for anti-inclusive voices to shape policy unchecked.


And, in many districts, fewer than one in ten eligible voters cast ballots in school board races, so every vote has outsized power.


Why it Matters: School boards decide whether queer and trans students are protected or targeted. When these elections go uncontested, small groups can control decisions that affect thousands of students.


Next week - Part 2 in the Series: Who Can Run for School Board

🗞️ In the News







🧾 Discrimination & Harassment Complaint Form


Queer students continue to face discrimination, slurs, and harassment from peers and even faculty. That’s not “part of growing up.” It’s unlawful and preventable.


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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