Request for Dialogue

Warren Petersen, the President of the Arizona State Senate, is set to contact Education Secretary Linda McMahon to discuss what he describes as a significant crisis stemming from the proliferation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in Arizona’s higher education institutions.

Concerns Raised

Petersen, a Republican from Gilbert, believes the Trump administration was correct in prioritizing the reduction of what he views as “un-American propaganda” within colleges, including DEI initiatives. He asserts that these programs have contributed to a culture that indoctrinates students against the virtues of the United States.

Allegations Against Institutions

In his communication, Petersen has expressed disappointment in the failure of many universities to adequately support their Jewish communities amid rising antisemitism. He emphasized that some educational institutions, like Arizona State University, have been flagged as being under federal scrutiny for their DEI practices.

Specific Instances of DEI Implementation

Petersen highlights troubling trends within Arizona’s public universities, noting instances where taxpayer money has been allocated to implement DEI programs. These examples include:

• Job postings requiring commitments to DEI principles.
• Mandatory staff and faculty training sessions promoting critical perspectives on race and sexuality.
• Students being required to take courses related to DEI, such as ‘Introduction to Queer Studies’ and ‘Multicultural Perspectives of Natural Resource Management.’

Petersen’s Call to Action

In his letter to McMahon, Petersen is expected to seek a meeting to discuss enforcement of federal guidelines prohibiting discrimination in federally funded institutions. He has voiced skepticism about the effectiveness of recent reforms in combating these issues, describing them as “window dressing.”

University Responses

In response to Petersen’s claims, officials from Arizona State University stated that the institution has ceased its affiliation with the specific program that has drawn federal attention.