FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, March 9, 2023
Senator Kern Stands Against Washington Elementary School District Board's Discriminatory Actions
PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senator Anthony Kern still stands vehemently against the discriminatory actions of the Washington Elementary School District Board and will be defending the teachers who now fear they'll lose their jobs due to their faith at tonight's board meeting.
On February 23rd, the board decided to dissolve their partnership with Arizona Christian University, which allowed its student teachers to be placed in its schools for on-the-job training, due to their religious beliefs. It's now become a national story.
"Since this began, I've spoken with teachers in the Washington Elementary School District who feel they're being discriminated against are now afraid of losing their jobs. They believe this board has created a hostile work environment for them," said Senator Kern. "I know of 21 people who are now putting in their resignations within the district, and I've been told principals from across the district will be sending a letter condemning this discrimination. We have a shortage of teachers in Arizona, yet this board is focused on keeping future educators out of the classroom. Meanwhile, Governor Hobbs' silence on this issue speaks volumes."
Senator Kern will be attending this evening's Washington Elementary School District board meeting at 7:00pm at the Administrative Center to support Arizona's educators who have been discriminated against and whose First Amendment rights have been violated.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov