mangrumsNet

A Tuscon school district is under the microscope by the AZ state Department of Public Education.  The district has "Raza Studies" classes (La Raza?) that the DPE wants  to make sure is in compliance with H.B. 2281, a bill that "prohibits a school district or charter school from including courses or classes that either promote the overthrow of the United States government or promote resentment toward a race or class of people."

The state has asked for a video of the course but the district has told the them that they will not comply.

The superintendent of the Arizona Department of Public Education says his agency will consider a refusal by the school district in Tucson to videotape its "Raza studies" classes as evidence the district is "deliberately" concealing its agenda.

The state had asked Tucson, in view of a new state law that takes effect at the end of this year that bans promoting to students "the overthrow of the United States government" and other issues, to record its "Raza" classes this fall to document what is being taught.

No, said Tucson officials.

So the state, which starting Jan. 1 can withhold 10 percent of the district's state funding, confirmed it would cite that refusal when the dispute comes up for judicial review.

When the funds are withheld, said a state letter to the district, "You will have the right to appeal to an administrative law judge. If you agree to this videotape, it will be helpful evidence to the administrative law judge. If you refuse, we will offer that refusal as evidence to the administrative law judge that the school district has deliberately hidden facts that would show that the district is in non-compliance with H.B. 2281."

The new law was adopted this year by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jan Brewer. But it largely has been overshadowed by the international furor over the state's plan to make illegal under state law what already is illegal under federal law – being in the state without permission.

Read the whole story