by Jonathan Eberle | Jun 8, 2025 | Education, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
Arizona lawmakers have approved legislation aimed at combating antisemitism in public schools and colleges, marking a bipartisan push to establish new standards for addressing hate-based conduct in the state’s education system.
The bill, House Bill 2867, also known as the Antisemitism in Education Act, received final approval from the Arizona House and now awaits the signature of Governor Katie Hobbs. Sponsored by Representative Michael Way (R-LD15), the measure bars the promotion of antisemitic views in classrooms and on public college campuses, while outlining a formal process for investigating and disciplining violations.
“Arizona’s students and teachers deserve to learn and work in an environment free from antisemitic hate,” said Rep. Way following the bill’s passage. “This bill ensures schools are places of learning, not battlegrounds for political indoctrination.”
The legislation applies to public K–12 schools, community colleges, and state universities. It prohibits educators and administrators from promoting antisemitic conduct or language, coercing students to support antisemitic viewpoints for grades or academic advancement, and using public funds for programs that include antisemitic instruction or training.
Violations are first to be reported to a school or college official, who must investigate and take corrective action within 30 days. Appeals can be escalated to a local school board or the Arizona Board of Regents. Legal action in court is permitted only after all administrative avenues have been exhausted.
HB 2867 is based on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, a standard also recognized by the U.S. Department of State. The bill includes explicit protections for teaching about Jewish history, the Holocaust, and the State of Israel. Supporters say the measure does not interfere with First Amendment rights.
The legislation aligns with the House Republican Majority’s broader efforts to confront hate and promote public safety within state institutions.“The Legislature has done its job. The public supports this,” said Rep. Way. “Now it’s up to the governor to do hers and show that Arizona won’t tolerate antisemitism in public education.”
Representative Way, who represents Mesa, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley, has made combating antisemitic threats in education a legislative priority. The bill’s bipartisan support suggests growing consensus among lawmakers that additional safeguards are needed in light of recent national and international events that have sparked increased concerns over antisemitism on college campuses and in school settings.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Jan 27, 2025 | Education, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
One Arizona legislator is attempting to ensure that students attending the state’s community colleges have what they need to succeed at school and with their future endeavors.
Last week, Senate Education Chairman David Farnsworth announced that he would be “launching a series of virtual workgroup meetings to examine the role community colleges play in workforce development and higher education.”
Farnsworth, a Republican, decided to enact these group discussions as a part of “his commitment to ensuring that state taxpayer dollars used to fund educational institutions are truly equipping students for success.”
In a statement that accompanied his announcement, Farnsworth said, “Arizona has transformed tremendously since I attended Mesa Community College as a student. I’m curious to find out whether our community college system still adequately prepares students for the real world today. Taxpayers should have confidence in knowing the funds community colleges are receiving from the State are translating into reliable pathways to upward economic mobility for those students who do not attend four-year universities.”
Senator Farnsworth added, “With the information I gather through these workgroup meetings, I hope to improve the community college system through potential legislation that will benefit all Arizona students.”
Those involved in the workgroups will work together to address three questions of significance for this industry. The first is, “What is the role of community colleges in the landscape of higher education in Arizona?” The second is, “What is the State of Arizona’s obligation to community colleges?” And the third is, “Do the current governance and funding models of community colleges support the answers to the questions above?”
Senator Farnsworth was just sworn into another term at the Arizona Legislature when it convened last Monday for the start of the 57th Regular Session. In addition to his position as the chairman of the Education Committee, Farnsworth serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and he is a member of the Government, Regulatory Affairs and Government Efficiency, and Ethics Committees.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by B. Hamilton | May 5, 2021 | News
By B. Hamilton |
On Monday, Governor Doug Ducey signed a bill, SB1453, sponsored by Sen. Paul Boyer and Rep. Becky Nutt, which allows community colleges to offer four-year degrees.
Supporters say the legislation will drive the cost of higher education lower, while detractors fear it will force the community colleges to raise taxes to afford the additional costs associated with offering 4-year degrees.
Ducey said the legislation paves “the way for Arizona’s current and future workforces and expanding opportunities for populations that are historically underrepresented in higher education.
“Arizona’s community colleges play a critical role in supporting students of all ages and equipping our workforce with skills and resources,” said Ducey in a press release. “Arizona is a school choice state, and today’s action is school choice for higher education. This is ‘Opportunity for All’ in action. It will allow students even more opportunities as they strengthen their education and expand their employment opportunities. Thank you to Senator Paul Boyer and Representative Becky Nutt for leading on legislation that supports Arizona’s higher education students and our talented workforce.”
“Today’s legislation will help people in every corner of our state,” said Nutt, who helped spearhead these efforts. “Arizona has been a national leader in school choice for many years, and allowing community colleges to offer four-year degrees will take a step further in meeting the needs of adult students.”
While the legislation is seen as necessary in the rural areas Nutt represents, those in urban centers with easy access to State universities are concerned the lower cost of a 4-year degree will steer students away from the hard-to-fill trade-type careers.
The legislation will align Arizona with 23 other states, including all neighboring states, to allow community colleges to offer four-year degrees in limited circumstances.
There are protections against the unwarranted expansion of courses. Under the legislation, community colleges opting to offer baccalaureate degrees must approve each program based on specific criteria, including workforce need, financial and administrative analysis of the feasibility of offering the program, and mitigating duplication.
“At Eastern Arizona College, we’re ready to support and work with students who want to get a higher education and build a career,” said Eastern Arizona College President Todd Haynie in a press release. “The legislation signed by Governor Ducey provides an accessible way for Arizona students to continue their education and build a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones. When community colleges offer four-year degrees, it opens up opportunities for more students of all ages and backgrounds. Thank you to everyone who supported this bill.”
