This bill proposes significant updates to current statutes regarding state funding for higher education institutions in Arizona. Under the new provisions, A. Notwithstanding any other law, a higher education institution in this state is ineligible to receive state monies in any fiscal year in which the higher education institution offers one or more courses on diversity, equity and inclusion. Additionally, B. the state treasurer, the Arizona board of regents and the department of administration may not distribute state monies to any higher education institution in a fiscal year in which the higher education institution offers one or more courses on diversity, equity and inclusion.
The bill also introduces definitions and clarifications regarding what constitutes a "course on diversity, equity and inclusion." Specifically, 1. "course on Diversity, equity and inclusion": is defined to include courses that address various contemporary social issues and theories, while explicitly excluding courses that discuss historical instances of racial hatred or discrimination unless they also promote the prohibited activities outlined in the bill. Furthermore, 2. "higher education institution" includes any of the following: which encompasses universities and community colleges under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Board of Regents. Overall, these changes aim to restrict state funding based on the curriculum offered by higher education institutions.