Hobbs Send “Disappointing” And “Disturbing” Message With Anti-Discriminatory Bill Vetoes

On Thursday, Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill, SB 1305, sponsored by Sen. JD Mesnard, that would have prohibited racist instruction in Arizona’s K-12 public schools.

Mesnard called the veto disappointing. Rep. Beverly Pingerelli, Chair of the House Education Committee, who authored mirror legislation (HB 2458) in the House said the Governor’s veto sent a “disturbing message.”

“I’m deeply disheartened by Governor Hobbs’ choice to condone these discriminatory teachings our kids are being exposed to, by vetoing my bill. As lawmakers, we are called to protect the vulnerable, including impressionable and innocent kids. Her action today is a slap in the face to parents who came forward with serious concerns about the racism being taught in their children’s classrooms,” said Mesnard.

“Contrary to Governor Hobbs’ accusation in her veto letter that we are not working on “real issues,” Senate Republicans have so far passed a budget that would have provided assurance that schools, public safety, health services, child welfare services, transportation, and other government functions would not shutdown come July 1,” continued Mesnard. “We’ve passed a rental tax cut that would have provided much needed relief to our citizens struggling with housing affordability and crippling inflation. In fact, within the first two months of session, the Senate has passed more than 200 bills addressing a variety of issues important to the people of Arizona. We certainly have proven we know how to multitask, but unfortunately, we’re working with a Governor who is playing political games with lives and livelihoods.”

The curriculum in contention, derived from what is commonly referred to as critical race theory (CRT), and found in diversity, equity, & inclusion (DEI) programs, promotes racially divisive concepts like judging an individual on the basis of their race, or promoting ideas like that one race is inherently morally or intellectually superior, or that a person is inherently racist or oppressive just because of their race or ethnicity.

The legislation vetoed by Governor Hobbs would have prohibited the promoting or advocating of these concepts in Arizona schools. Advocates of this ideology try to claim that it’s not taught in schools or mischaracterize the legislation, saying it prohibits or penalizes teachers from teaching history. But parents, students, and even teachers know better, and example after example supports them.

More specifically, the bill would have prohibited instruction that includes the following:

judging an individual on the basis of race or ethnicity

that one race or ethnic group is inherently morally or intellectually superior to another race or ethnic group

that an individual, by virtue of the individual’s race or ethnicity, is inherently racist or oppressive, consciously or unconsciously

that an individual should be invidiously discriminated against or receive adverse treatment because of the individual’s race or ethnicity

that an individual’s moral character is determined by race or ethnicity

that an individual bears responsibility or blame for actions committed by other members of the same race or ethnic group

that academic achievement, meritocracy, or traits like hard work ethic are racist, or created by members of a particular race or ethnic group to oppress members of another race or ethnic group.

“Governor Hobbs’ veto sends a disturbing message that she is willing to allow racially divisive curriculum to be intentionally taught in Arizona classrooms,” said Pingerelli. “This sort of ugly, prejudicial ideology presents a distorted and destructive history and worldview that exacerbates racial tension and anxiety within our children and society. Whether it’s promoted in the classroom, or through programs from companies such as Disney, it’s wrong, and it must end.”