The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been under a microscope lately, with examinations and criticisms coming with varying degrees of merit. Regular readers will remember that SUSD curriculum came under fire recently for what some people have considered “woke” (you can get up to date here).
The criticisms have recently hit an all new echelon however, as a new and powerful player came into the conversation to weigh in on the SUSD issue.
Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, has publicly challenged SUSD, accusing the district’s newly adopted social studies materials of violating a federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) pledge and promoting anti‑law‑enforcement narratives
Horne, joined by Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan, has stated he will report the district to federal authorities for “woke” curriculum that he claims presents a biased, unbalanced view of policing, particularly in its discussion of movements like Black Lives Matter and related protests
Scottsdale USD officials rebutted these allegations, emphasizing that the curriculum adheres to Arizona standards and was adopted through a rigorous, transparent process. They argue that the content reflects well‑considered historical context and is in line with materials used in other districts across the state
Horne’s threat to involve federal oversight stems from a signed federal agreement to avoid DEI content. He warns that the curriculum breaches that commitment and may endanger federal funding—should judicial rulings change
So what should one think of it? As we stated previously, it seems as though these subjects could have been avoided entirely, as they were so recent so as to not warrant a historical perspective at this time. Additionally, to talk about these subjects and to not even acknowledge some of the negative consequences, including rioting and destruction in a few American cities, isn’t exactly providing a truly balanced look.
That said, we hope all parties move on from this quickly, because as far as issues go, this is a fairly minor one. The less politicians get involved in education the better; it is something that is best left to professionals…i.e. teachers.