by Corinne Murdock | Dec 9, 2023 | Education, News
By Corinne Murdock |
The University of Arizona (UArizona) reinstated two professors last week after they were suspended for defending Hamas to their students.
In audio clips published by Israel War Room last month, College of Education professors Rebecca Lopez and Rebecca Zapien made a number of refutable claims about Hamas in explaining the conflict to their students. Zapien ran an unsuccessful campaign to join the Tucson Unified School District last year.
The professors’ comments included the claim that Hamas isn’t a terrorist organization, but rather a resistance group comparable to the Black Panther Party. The U.S. has recognized Hamas as a foreign terrorist organization for well over 20 years. The FBI designated the Black Panther Party as a domestic extremist organization noted for employing violent and guerilla tactics in their attempts to overthrow the government.
The audio clips didn’t distinguish which professor issued the remarks, which occurred in the “Cultural Pluralism For Young Children” class.
One of the professors indicated that she would have engaged in actions similar to those undertaken by Hamas against Israel, in response to what she described as mistreatment of the Palestinians by the Israeli government.
“Hamas is a group within Palestine, they’re a group of people who are responding to that thing that’s going on, so they’re responding, much like I would, enough, they’re not the same, I wanna separate, but for me, I can understand things in a U.S. context, and then it helps me understand them in other countries,” stated one professor.
The professor went on to claim that Hamas doesn’t represent the Palestinian people and aren’t elected officials. The terrorist organization has been the de facto governing body for the area since the early 2000s.
One of the professors also claimed that Israeli forces were targeting civilians, and that Hamas wasn’t antisemitic but anti-Zionist.
The Israel War Room called on UArizona President Robert Robbins to address the professors’ speech.
“[President Robbins], your professors are gaslighting Jewish students, endorsing terrorism, and spreading blatantly false information. We DEMAND you do something about it,” said the Israel War Room.
Leadership did take action — Lopez and Zapien were suspended while the university reviewed the remarks. The pair’s suspension didn’t bode well for students and local groups. The United Campus Workers Arizona launched a petition for their reinstatement and organized multiple sit-ins at the College of Education administration building.
In a statement announcing Lopez and Zapien’s return to the classroom last week, College of Education Dean Robert Berry said UArizona was committed to an inclusive respect of all viewpoints.
“We reaffirm our commitment to an academic instructional setting that respects all viewpoints and is within the scope and educational purposes of our discipline in terms of materials provided in the classroom,” said Berry.
Berry also announced a new faculty-led workshop series, “Educational Dialogues,” to review potentially contentious topics. The first in the series was scheduled for last Friday.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 8, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona Legislative Republicans have joined the crescendo of voices pushing back against an impending consent decree from the federal government.
This week, Arizona State Representative David Marshall and 20 of his colleagues in the chamber sent a letter to City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and members of the council, asking them to “swiftly reject any consent decree proposed by the DOJ and challenge the findings in the forthcoming DOJ report.”
The coalition of lawmakers warned that “the DOJ has used consent decrees to remove local control from police departments in metropolitan cities across the United States,” and that “relinquishing local control of these critical agencies to the federal government has been disastrous for both the public safety of the residents in those cities and for taxpayers.” They pointed to the experience of the state’s largest county, Maricopa, writing, “Arizonans have already suffered the drastic consequences of the DOJ consent decree over the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department for the past decade.”
In their letter to City of Phoenix officials, the lawmakers also appealed to both the U.S. and Arizona Constitutions about how an enacted consent decree would violate both documents. The legislators stated, “The Arizona Constitution prohibits the state and its political subdivisions from ‘using any personnel or financial resources to enforce, administer or cooperate’ with any federal action or program that does not protect the checks and balances of the United States Constitution… To preserve Arizona’s sovereignty consistent with our state constitution, you must reject the DOJ’s coercive consent decree.”
The request from these representatives follows other petitions from Arizona officials who oppose the imposition of a consent decree upon the city’s police department. Earlier this fall, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell posted her displeasure with the principle of federal monitoring of law enforcement departments, writing, “Look no further than MCSO to see what ‘federal monitoring’ does to agencies. Monitors (people paid to determine whether an agency is in compliance) have ZERO incentive to find compliance. It will cost the taxpayers MILLIONS and crime will increase.”
City of Phoenix Councilmember Ann O’Brien also wrote an op-ed for the Arizona Republic, voicing her sentiments regarding any arrangement handed down from the DOJ. In her piece, O’Brien wrote, “I have no intention of signing anything given to us by the Department of Justice without getting to read their findings first. That’s the thing: the DOJ gets agencies to sign an agreement in principle before ever releasing their findings, which essentially means that agency will negotiate a consent decree in good faith. Not Phoenix.”
On August 5, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice opened a “pattern or practice investigation into the City of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department (PhxPD)” to “assess all types of use of force by PhxPD officers, including deadly force.” The DOJ highlighted that its investigation would “include a comprehensive review of PhxPD’s systems of accountability, including misconduct complaint intake, investigation, review, disposition, and discipline.”
At the time of the announcement, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said, “When we conduct pattern or practice investigations to determine whether the Constitution or federal law has been violated, our aim is to promote transparency and accountability. This increases public trust, which in turn increases public safety. We know that law enforcement shares these goals.”
The City of Phoenix and Phoenix Police Department have updated people on the progress of the investigation, alerting readers that “city and police leaders have provided the DOJ with documents, videos, interviews, ride-a-longs, and access to training sessions with the department.” The City’s bulletin revealed that the DOJ investigation “has come with challenges, as it took several months to negotiate a method for sharing sensitive law enforcement information which complied with FBI standards.”
Per the City of Phoenix’s information, the DOJ’s Civil Pattern or Practice investigation into the Phoenix Police Department “is the 71st investigation of its kind since the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.” If DOJ finds “patterns or practices of misconduct,” then Phoenix will likely find itself with a federal monitor.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 8, 2023 | Education, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
More Arizonans are saving for their children’s education and benefiting from the stewardship of the state’s treasurer.
This week, the “X” account for the Arizona Education Savings Plan announced that “under the leadership of Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee, 33,632 529 accounts have been opened in the last 37 months,” and that “assets are up 16.6% in that same time frame to $1.89 billion.”
Yee serves as the Chairwoman of the AZ529 Plan Advisory Committee. According to its website, this committee “assists the Treasurer’s Office in promoting and raising awareness of the AZ529 Plan in accordance with A.R.S. § 41-179.” The Arizona 529 Plan “is a college savings plan named after Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code sponsored by the State of Arizona,” and “is designed to provide a parent, grandparent, or anyone else an opportunity to save for a child’s educational dreams within a tax-deferred savings vehicle.”
Last month, the Arizona Education Savings Plan was upgraded to a ‘silver’ rating by Morningstar, which “reflected a superior investment team and/or investment process that should benefit the participants.”
Joining Treasurer Yee on this advisory committee are the following appointees:
- Rural Community College District Representative: Keith Alexander, Special Assistant to the President for Community and Government Relations, Eastern Arizona College
- ABOR Public University Representative: Dr. James Rund, Senior Vice President for Educational Outreach and Student Services, Arizona State University
- Private Educational Institution Offering Advanced Degrees Representative: Brian Mueller, President, Grand Canyon University
- Private Vocational Training Institution Representative: David Eaker, Campus President, The Refrigeration School
- Apprenticeship Program Representative: Gary Schleuger, Vice President of State Government Affairs and Relations, University of Phoenix
- Private School or Organization offering K-12 Instruction Representative: Chris Schoenleb, Head of School, North Valley Christian Academy
- Teacher Representative: Karen Mensing, Technology Integration Facilitator, Paradise Valley Unified School District
- Tribal Representative: Honorable Shaandiin Parrish, Council Delegate, Navajo Nation
- Public Member: Maria Baier, Vice President of External Affairs, Great Hearts America
- Public Member: Christine Burton, Co-Founder, Burton Family Foundation
- Public Member Representing an Arizona-Based Nonprofit Organization: Susan Ciardullo, Executive Director, Life Long Learning Inc.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Corinne Murdock | Dec 7, 2023 | Education, News
By Corinne Murdock |
On Tuesday, Gov. Katie Hobbs announced a $2 million fund to pay for new teachers and the final report complete with a lengthy list of recommendations from her Educator Retention Task Force.
In order to counter teacher shortages and improve retention, the task force issued a series of recommendations likely to come at a significant cost to taxpayers.
The task force recommended a permanent educator advisory group to the governor; a $10,000 raise in the average salary for teachers; a reduction in healthcare premium costs; 12 weeks of paid leave for childbirth, adoption, or fostering; more governmental efforts on raising awareness of student loan forgiveness programs; working conditions improvements including decreased class sizes, decreased workloads, increased amounts of support staff such as counselors and social workers, more planning and preparation time, and improving school safety; more stakeholder meetings and state government-level leadership roles to educators; an Arizona State Board of Education study and data collection system on retention rates; greater expansion and funding for statewide induction and mentoring programs; expansion of the Arizona Teachers Academy; child care for educators; more policies and systems to support educator mental health; reimbursement for certifications such as student teaching and counseling; and eliminating the one-year mandatory waiting period for retired teachers to return to the classroom.
Hobbs partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) Morrison Institute and the Hunt Institute to inform the task force, despite ASU having the highest rate of its graduates quitting the teaching profession over the course of five years in comparison to Grand Canyon University (GCU), Rio Salado College, and The New Teacher Project (TNTP) Academy.
ASU also had the highest rate of Arizona State Board of Education enforcement actions against its graduates when compared to other universities in the state. GCU had the highest retention rate of its graduates, and the lowest enforcement action rates from the Arizona State Board of Education.
The task force was divided into four working groups.
A first group focused on compensation and benefits. Its members were Jeremiah Gallegos, Littleton School District financial literacy instructor; Luisa Arreola, San Luis Middle School gifted program coordinator; Lynette Stant, Salt River Indian Reservation third grade teacher and 2020 Arizona Teacher of the Year; Marisol Garcia, Arizona Education Association president; Quincy Natay, Chinle Unified School District superintendent; and Ruth Ellen Elinski, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District governing board member.
A second group focused on retention innovations and solutions. Its members were Justin Wing, Mesa Public Schools assistant superintendent of human resources; Lloyd Hopkins, Million Dollar Teacher Project CEO and founder; Melissa Sadorf, Stanfield Elementary School District superintendent; and Violeta Ramos, Osborn School District Spanish teacher and governing board member.
A third group focused on teacher preparation and certification. Its members were Curt Bertelsen, Pima Joint Technical Education District director of professional development; Jennifer Gresko, Rio Salado College faculty chair of educator preparation; Ramona Mellot, Northern Arizona University College of Education dean; Zel Fowler, Balsz School District gifted education teacher; and Janine Menard, Tolleson Elementary School District mental health professional.
The fourth group focused on working conditions. Its members were Jennifer Hulbert, Champion Schools – South Mountain second grade teacher; Jesus “Anthony” Lovio, Flowing Wells Unified School District special education teacher; Jonathan Parker, Sunnyslope High School principal; and Sarah Tolar, City of Mesa education and workforce administrator.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by Daniel Stefanski | Dec 7, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Many Arizona officials sent tributes for the passing of an inspirational leader of the state and nation.
Last week, former U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O’Connor died at the age of 93. O’Connor grew up in Arizona and paved a way for women in the highest levels of government as she served in the Arizona Legislature and as a Judge on the Maricopa County Superior Court. Following this already historic rise, former President Ronald Reagan nominated O’Connor to the nation’s high court, where she would become the first female Justice on the bench.
“Sandra Day O’Connor was an impactful conservative and a trailblazer who displayed the epitome of a hardworking public servant, a dedicated mother, and inspired many women to pursue leadership roles within the legislative and judicial branches of government,” said Senate President Warren Petersen. “She broke barriers throughout her career, becoming the first woman to serve as Majority Leader for Republicans at the Arizona State Senate and setting the stage for others to follow in her footsteps. The example she set on civil discourse is to be admired. We’re saddened by the loss of this icon, and our hearts go out to O’Connor’s family, but we take comfort in knowing she’ll have lasting positive impacts on our state and nation for generations to come.”
Senate Pro Tempore T.J. Shope added, “Very saddened to hear the news about fmr. United States Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor today. Before President Reagan nominated her to became the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, this legendary Arizonan was our state’s first female Senate Majority Leader, in charge of the State Senate’s Republican Caucus for two terms. I was honored to meet her on several occasions but the most recent was about a handful of years ago on the Floor of the AZ House of Representatives. We offer her family our condolences during this time.”
Governor Katie Hobbs communicated her own sentiments, writing, “Throughout her entire career, as an Arizona legislator, judge, and Supreme Court Justice, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor embodied the humility and civility that is at the core of what it means to be a public servant. Justice O’Connor first broke barriers when she was elected the Arizona Senate Majority Leader, becoming the first woman to ever serve in that role in the United States. Her trailblazing career continued when she became the first woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court, where she was the decisive vote in some of the most critical court cases in our nation’s history. Justice O’Connor’s impact continued far beyond the bench, with a lifelong commitment to civic engagement and civil discourse, which is more important than ever. Her legacy will forever be ingrained in the fibers of our state and nation’s history. The hearts of every Arizonan are with her and her family today as we mourn the loss of a true trailblazer.”
Attorney General Kris Mayes stated, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. She set a powerful example of leadership for so many to follow. Even before her appointment to the Supreme Court, Justice O’Connor’s trailblazing leadership here in Arizona cemented her place in the history of our state. Her humble beginnings on the Lazy B Ranch near Duncan, Arizona was just the start. It was something I always admired about her: how she went from my own beloved rural Arizona, to the marbled halls of the Supreme Court. Justice O’Connor exemplified service leadership throughout her career: Arizona Assistant Attorney General, first woman State Senate majority leader in the country, Maricopa County Superior Court judge, Arizona Court of Appeals judge, and first woman Supreme Court Justice. An icon. My thoughts are with Justice O’Connor’s family and loved ones during this time.”
Treasurer Kimberly Yee, who followed in O’Connor’s footsteps as a state senate majority leader, said, “Sandra Day O’Connor was the 1st female Senate Majority Leader in Arizona in 1973. I became the 2nd female Senate Majority Leader 44 years later. She was a trailblazer, worked across the aisle and believed in civil discourse. She was an inspiration to me and women around the world.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Corinne Murdock | Dec 6, 2023 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
Democratic and Republican leadership at all levels are calling on the Biden administration to reopen the Lukeville Port of Entry.
The state of the border in Lukeville consists of long lines of people, trash, and human waste. At night, the long lines are dotted with fires for warmth.
Reporters on the ground have noted the predominance of adult males seeking work, not asylum, among the illegal immigrant lineups. Those interviewed claim to have paid thousands for international transportation to the southern border.
The illegal immigrants are effectively being handled on a “catch and release” policy: transported further into the country, with admissions far outpacing deportations and court dates years out.
Arizona House Democrats issued a statement from State Rep. Mariana Sandoval (D-LD23), whose district contains the port of entry. Sandoval expressed alarm at the economic impact of the sudden and undefined closure.
“The federal government has significant resources and capabilities, and it should divert those resources from other regions — and from other states if necessary — to handle this temporary influx before it causes permanent economic damage to our Tribal, border communities and state,” said Sandoval. “This decision was not well thought out and does not take into account how important legal cross-border traffic is to the lives and livelihoods of all Arizonans.”
Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers issued a press release on Tuesday on behalf of his town’s many residents and visitors who pass through the Lukeville port. Weiers called the closing “unforgivable.”
“At a time when so many of our small businesses, and entertainment hubs like Westgate normally benefit from tourists and the trade and commerce created by their visits, it is simply unforgivable that our government is neglecting border security, leaving merchants in a lurch,” said Weiers. “The Biden administration has allowed inflation to shoot through the roof, and now it is allowing illegal migration to do the same, causing great harm to many communities like mine and the hard-working people who call them home.”
Gov. Katie Hobbs, in a joint release with Sens. Mark Kelly (D) and Kyrsten Sinema (I), said that the Lukeville closure only posed further, unacceptable harms to the state’s economy and community safety.
“Arizona border communities are in crisis, and our men and women on the front lines do not have the resources they need,” said Hobbs.
Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-07) also requested the reopening of the Lukeville Port of Entry in a letter to President Joe Biden and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Grijalva also requested other information pertaining to the status of his September letter regarding the influx of illegal immigrants, what the president plans to do to address the disparity between federal funding and the influx of illegal immigrants, and a progress update on the Southwest Border Coordination Center.
“This current situation is both unsustainable and a dereliction of federal responsibility,” said Grijalva.
Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) said the Lukeville closure served as further evidence of the Biden administration’s lack of control of the border.
“It’s time to implement the laws on the books and deploy the National Guard to fully support our men and women along the border — not close ports of entry making matters worse,” said Ciscomani.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
