PHOENIX — Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed SB 1305, which would have banned critical race theory in Arizona's classrooms.
On Thursday, the governor released a statement saying, "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."
Critical race theory, or CRT, is the study looking at how race and racism shaped American law and society. CRT is typically taught in university-level courses.
"I urge the Legislature to work with me on the real issues affecting Arizona schools: underfunded classrooms, a growing educator retention crisis, and school buildings in need of repair and replacement," stated Hobbs.
The Arizona Education Association President Marisol Garcia released a statement after Hobbs vetoed the bill, supporting the governor's refusal to sign the bill into law.
“SB1305 would have subjected teachers to investigations, disciplinary action and even thousands of dollars in fines just for teaching the truth," said Garcia. "Endless attacks like SB1305 are part of the reason that so many Arizona schools struggle to retain qualified, passionate educators. We’re glad that Governor Hobbs vetoed SB1305, and we look forward to working with her to ensure that our schools are fully funded and our students and educators have what they need to thrive.”
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