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This month has seen significant shifts in federal and state policies affecting education, healthcare, and civil rights. Education Action Alliance continues to monitor these developments, participate in advocacy efforts, and provide actionable steps for community engagement. Key topics include the upcoming Emergency Town Hall discussing Title IX and funding threats, recent court rulings impacting DEI policies and healthcare access, and legislative actions in Arizona that could reshape LGBTQ+ rights and school policies. Additionally, Maricopa County’s new Superintendent may influence school board appointments with long-term implications for public education.
Read on for policy updates, legislative developments, and ways to take action.
Emergency Town Hall - March 2, 2025
Education Action Alliance will participate in an Emergency Town Hall sponsored by Lookout to discuss key education policies, including Title IX, funding threats, and recent federal actions. Notably, Maine Governor Janet Mills has signaled legal challenges to the administration’s directive on trans athletes. Litigation remains a crucial tool in resisting policy overreach.
Legal & Legislative Developments
Recent court rulings have halted certain federal orders, including parts of the Trump administration’s anti-diversity directives and restrictions on transition-related healthcare. However, other legal battles continue, underscoring the need for persistent advocacy.
New Federal & State Policies
In the first five weeks of the administration, significant policy changes include:
Bans on DEI initiatives and transgender-related healthcare, safety, and public accommodations
Renaming of the Gulf of Mexico
Dismantling of USAID, disrupting international aid
Freezing of federal funds
Removal of key military leadership roles
Arizona-specific rollbacks, including reduced DEI programs at the University of Arizona and restrictive healthcare policies at Phoenix Children’s Hospital (despite a court injunction allowing care to continue)
At the state level, Arizona lawmakers are advancing bills targeting LGBTQ+ rights and school policies, including:
These bills have sufficient legislative support to pass, making public advocacy critical to push for gubernatorial vetoes.
School Board Update
Maricopa County’s newly elected Superintendent, Shelli Boggs, supports universal vouchers and opposes DEI initiatives. As the county official responsible for filling school board vacancies, her appointments could shape the future of Arizona’s public education landscape. Community engagement and school board advocacy remain vital.
What You Can Do
“There is just so much happening, what can I do besides hide under the covers?” We hear you! There’s a lot going on and after some deep breaths and snuggles with the dog, it’s clear there is a lot of work to get done. Here are some ideas!
Raise your voice! Check out 5 calls! It’s more important than ever to raise your voice and every level – federal, state, city, and school board.
In Arizona, we have the Request To Speak system at the state Capitol to weigh in on state legislation (i.e. sign in ‘opposed’ to the bills listed above). Request To Speak (RTS) Registration - to activate your account through our friends at Civic Engagement Beyond Voting, click here!
Contact your legislators! They need to hear from you – even if you know they’ll never agree with you! It’s their job to represent every body. Here are the House & Senate member lists with their emails and phone numbers. Put them in your phone.
Organize! Join other educators, parents, students, patients and others impacted by these orders. Demand more from our leaders to utilize resources to ensure the health and safety of all residents. Join us!
Stay Informed – Explore the key bills we're tracking this legislative session! - Bill Tracker
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