ASU’s use of tax dollars for DEI training flouts state law, think tank argues

Arizona State University has a mandatory diversity, equity and inclusion training for current and incoming staff and faculty using taxpayer money, and one conservative think tank in the state argues this flouts a state law banning some forms of DEI training.

In 2021, Arizona’s Legislature passed a law prohibiting the government from spending tax dollars on training, orientations or therapy that present any form of “blame or judgment on the basis of race, ethnicity or sex.” The statute also states no company may make such training or events mandatory to its employees.

Regardless, ASU has required staff and faculty to enroll in an “ASU Inclusive Communities” training, according to a report from the Goldwater Institute. Upon completion of the course, staff and faculty must complete an exam, and any “wrong” answers are reported to their supervising dean, according to the conservative nonprofit think tank.