Here’s what Arizona’s candidates for superintendent of public instruction say on critical race theory

PHOENIX — Arizona’s candidates for superintendent of public instruction have differing opinions on the impact of critical race theory in the state’s schools.

Current schools chief Kathy Hoffman, a Democrat, says the concept isn’t being taught in Arizona’s public schools.

“No, they are not in our Arizona state standards as Tom Horne should know … the state standards are developed by Arizona local teachers and then it is up to the local school districts to adopt curriculum,” Hoffman told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Gaydos and Chad on Monday.

Horne, the Republican challenger, served as superintendent of public instruction from 2003-2011.

He claims the concept has infiltrated Arizona schools, including in some of the state’s largest districts.

Horne wants to eradicate any possibility of critical race theory in the classroom.

“My belief, which I believe is the American belief, is that all people are individuals and we’re all brothers and sisters under the skin and race is irrelevant to anything,” Horne said Monday on Gaydos and Chad. “Critical race theory teaches the opposite.”

Hoffman believes building trust between educators and families will alleviate concerns on the talking point that has been widely popularized by the GOP in recent years.

She wants teachers to keep politics out of the curriculum and to stick to state standards.

“I think there’s some work to be done in strengthening those relationships so that parents know exactly what’s being taught and there’s no question about about what that looks like,” Hoffman said.

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