by Jonathan Eberle | Mar 23, 2025 | Education, News
By Jonathan Eberle |
The Arizona Legislature is considering a constitutional amendment that would restrict preferential treatment and discrimination based on race or ethnicity in public education, government spending, and hiring practices.
House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 2042, sponsored by Rep. Steve Montenegro (R-LD 29), would reinforce existing constitutional protections by prohibiting state agencies, schools, and employers from favoring or disadvantaging individuals based on race or ethnicity. If approved by the Legislature, the measure will be placed on the next general election ballot for voter approval.
HCR 2042 expands Arizona’s existing anti-discrimination policies by banning the use of race or ethnicity as a factor in hiring, promotions, admissions, or contracting decisions in public institutions. It also would prevent state-funded institutions from compelling employees, students, or contractors to support race-based policies as a condition of employment or academic advancement.
In addition, HCR 2042 would prohibit public funding for university offices (like DEI offices) or initiatives that promote preferential treatment based on race or ethnicity, restrict diversity training that endorses race-based privilege, intersectionality, or the idea that neutral policies perpetuate racial injustice, and ensure that disciplinary policies in public schools and workplaces do not treat individuals differently based on race or ethnicity.
The bill allows exemptions for academic research, student organizations, legal compliance, and mental or physical health services provided by licensed professionals.
Proponents of the bill say that preferential treatment—whether through race-based hiring, admissions, or funding allocations—undermines fairness and meritocracy. Equal treatment under the law is a fundamental principle that should apply to all individuals, regardless of background, and race-based policies can create resentment and devalue achievements by making qualifications appear tied to identity rather than merit.
Supporters of the legislation also argue that neutral, colorblind policies are the best way to ensure fairness in education, employment, and government programs. They say that government should not fund initiatives that favor one racial or ethnic group over another, as this can lead to unintended discrimination.
HCR 2042 was approved by the House Government Committee in a 4-3 vote and now awaits further legislative debate. If passed, Arizona voters will decide on the measure in the next statewide election.
Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Mar 17, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Another ballot referral is one step closer to Arizona voters.
Earlier this week, the Arizona Senate passed SCR 1019, which would “constitutionally prohibit the state from compelling an individual to endorse giving preferential treatment to or discriminating against any individual or individuals on the basis of race or ethnicity as a condition of any hiring, promoting or contracting decision” – according to the purpose from the chamber.
The ballot referral was approved by the state Senate with a 16-12 vote. Two members did not vote.
The Arizona Senate Republicans Caucus “X” account posted, “JUST IN – Senate Democrats voted ‘NO’ on a ballot referral that would ask voters in November to consider a state ban on hiring, promoting, or providing preferential treatment to employees based on their race or ethnicity. Senate Republicans believe qualifications, performance, experience, and character should be the deciding factors, not skin color.”
Senator Anthony Kern sponsored the proposal. He was joined by Senators Wendy Rogers, Justine Wadsack; and Representatives Justin Heap, Rachel Jones, Alex Kolodin, and Austin Smith as cosponsors.
Last month, the measure cleared the Senate Government Committee with a 4-3 vote (with one member not voting). After the positive result, the committee chairman, Senator Jake Hoffman, issued the following statement: “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, also known as DEI, is racism by another name. These policies and programs promote preferential treatment, or discrimination, based on the color of one’s skin, their race, or ethnicity. An example of this is when an employer has two resumes in front of them, one candidate is clearly more qualified than the other because of their skills and experience, but the less qualified candidate is chosen for the job because their race is instead prioritized. This is happening right now in our universities, it’s happened in our state agencies, and it’s unequivocally wrong.”
Hoffman added, “As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government, I was happy to advance SCR 1019, a ballot measure sponsored by Senator Kern, to reaffirm the state’s protections against racial discrimination or racial ideologies like DEI. I’m incredibly concerned with Democrats describing this racist practice as ‘progress.’ All Democrats in committee voted in support of racism.”
On the Arizona Legislature’s Request to Speak system, representatives from the Barry Goldwater Institute for Public Policy Research, and Heritage Action for America, supported the ballot referral. Representatives from the Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona Education Association, City of Phoenix, Save Our Schools Arizona, Arizona National Organization for Women, State Conference NAACP, and Rural Arizona Action, signed in to oppose the proposal.
The referral will now be considered by the Arizona House of Representatives. If passed by the state House, SCR 1019 will head to the November General Election ballot for an up-or-down vote from Arizona voters.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
