ARIZONA NEWS

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoes GOP bill aimed at banning CRT in public schools

Mar 9, 2023, 1:05 PM | Updated: Mar 13, 2023, 8:11 am
(Photo by Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)...
(Photo by Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, as expected, vetoed a Republican bill Thursday aimed at keeping critical race theory out of K-12 public schools, calling the legislation divisive.

The bill’s sponsor responded by calling the veto “a slap in the face to parents.”

“It is time to stop utilizing students and teachers in culture wars based on fearmongering and unfounded accusations. Bills like SB1305 only serve to divide and antagonize,” the Democratic governor said in her veto letter.

Many Republicans view the concepts underlying critical race theory (CRT) as an effort to rewrite American history and persuade white people that they are inherently racist and should feel guilty because of their advantages.

But the theory also has become somewhat of a catchall phrase to describe racial concepts some conservatives find objectionable, such as white privilege, systemic inequality and inherent bias.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. J.D. Mesnard, was sent to Hobbs’ desk on Monday after moving through the Legislature on party-line votes.

“I’m deeply disheartened by Gov. Hobbs’ choice to condone these discriminatory teachings our kids are being exposed to, by vetoing my bill,” Mesnard said in a statement Thursday. “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.”

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne ran and won his campaign last year emphasizing an anti-CRT sentiment.

Horne, a Republican, said Thursday he expected the veto and is looking at other ways to keep what he thinks is inappropriate race-related messaging out of classrooms.

“I’d have to bring the charge, and it would be decided by the State Board [of Education]. I think teachers could be disciplined for using a captive audience to promulgate their own personal ideology,” he said.

“That’s not why they are being paid. They are being paid to teach academics.”

On Tuesday, Horne’s office launched a hotline for parents to call if they think their children are being taught CRT or other “inappropriate lessons.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Griselda Zetino and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Facebook Photo/Spinato's Pizzeria)...
KTAR.com

Spinato’s Pizzeria looking to hire staff ahead of East Valley restaurant opening

A Valley-based pizzeria is looking to hire staff ahead of its anticipated East Valley location slated to open in May. 
22 hours ago
FILE - Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer speaks inside the Recorders Office, Nov. 9, 2022, in...
Associated Press

Dominion conspiracies highlighted by Fox lawsuit have election officials concerned for safety

Maricopa County officials are bracing for what could happen when it comes time to replace its contract for voting equipment.
22 hours ago
(ADOT Traffic Camera Photo)...
KTAR.com

Northbound lanes of Loop 303 reopen in West Valley after crash

Northbound Loop 303 was reopened on Friday in the West Valley after a crash halted traffic for almost two hours.
22 hours ago
(Pexels Photo)...
KTAR.com

17-year-old arrested on murder charges in Peoria crash that killed 5

A 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder in a 2022 crash in Peoria that left five people dead.
22 hours ago
Salvador Gonzalez Duenas (Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Photo)...
KTAR.com

Glendale police arrest Circle K robbery, assault suspect

Glendale police arrested a man suspected of robbing a Circle K convenience store and assaulting a clerk in December, authorities said. 
22 hours ago
(Facebook Photo/Tempe Festival of the Arts)...
KTAR.com

Tempe Festival of the Arts takes over Mill Avenue all weekend

The annual Tempe Festival of the Arts is underway through Sunday in a showcase of over 350 artists from across North America.
22 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

(Photo: OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center)...

Here’s what you need to know about OCD and where to find help

It's fair to say that most people know what obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders generally are, but there's a lot more information than meets the eye about a mental health diagnosis that affects about one in every 100 adults in the United States.
...
Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.
(Desert Institute for Spine Care photo)...
DESERT INSTITUTE FOR SPINE CARE

Why DISC is world renowned for back and neck pain treatments

Fifty percent of Americans and 90% of people at least 50 years old have some level of degenerative disc disease.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoes GOP bill aimed at banning CRT in public schools