Committee gives HCR 2042 a due pass after debate over race‑based policies and DEI
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 2042, which would expand prohibitions on race‑ or ethnicity‑based preferences in government education, contracting and hiring, received a due pass recommendation after proponents and opponents debated whether the measure would restrict training, teacher development, and institutional discretion.
House Concurrent Resolution 2042 received a due pass recommendation from the House Government Committee following extended floor‑level debate and public testimony for and against the measure.
The sponsor, Speaker Montenegro, told the committee HCR 2042 is intended to prohibit preferential treatment and discrimination based on race and ethnicity in public education, contracting and hiring, and to align state practice with what he described as the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision on affirmative action. He said the resolution seeks to “restore color blindness to our institutions” and prevent what he described as coercion to adopt race‑based or racially divisive ideologies.
Witnesses opposing the resolution argued it would eliminate tools used to address systemic disparities and could restrict basic school policies and training. Vania Guevara (representing CHISPA Arizona), Jean Woodbury of Planned Parenthood Advocates, and others said the resolution’s language could limit teacher training and school practices that address racial and ethnic disparities. Matt Bienberg of the Goldwater Institute testified in support, saying the measure reaffirms Arizona’s constitutional ban on state‑sponsored racial discrimination.
Committee members debated the measure at length. Some members called the resolution a defense of equal opportunity and merit; others warned it would interfere with employer, university and local decisions on training and workplace standards. Several members explained their floor‑roll choices during the recorded vote. Representative Marquez said organizations with diverse workforces have strategic advantages; Representative Gillette provided a lengthy explanation tying opposition to DEI to broader ideological arguments. Chairman Blackmon and other members framed their support as a merit‑based principle. The committee recorded four ayes and three nays and sent the resolution forward with a due pass recommendation.
Votes at a glance: HCR 2042 — Motion: return with a due pass recommendation; outcome: due pass recommendation; committee tally: 4 ayes, 3 nays.
