Local board denies funding for DARE 'DWI lion,' cites lack of evidence

A board meeting in the Los Alamos area ended with members voting unanimously to deny a request to fund a DARE-branded outreach item described in the discussion as a “DWI lion.” Jordan moved to deny the funding request and a second was recorded; members stated no opposition and the motion passed.

Board discussion focused on two points: whether the lion was part of the DARE curriculum and whether the DARE curriculum is evidence-based. Rachel said she had checked the Crime Solutions Evidence-Based Practice database and that “it shows as ineffective,” a point members used to justify denying funding for the lion, which several members described as a licensed visual/marketing item rather than core curriculum.

Jordan initiated the motion to deny funding, stating the board had not seen supporting evidence that the lion advances outcomes. Other members recalled prior internal reviews that found the older DARE formats ineffective; one member added that DARE’s updated materials have not been studied widely enough for the board to rely on evidence of improved outcomes. Another member noted that “the lion” is sold by a third party and is not listed on DARE’s own materials, suggesting it is ancillary marketing rather than a program component.

A member who spoke toward the end of the exchange said proponents could return in 3–6 months with demonstrations or outcome data; the member said they would be willing to listen if the presenters could show evidence the request is tied to an evidence-based curriculum. The board did not set a follow-up requirement beyond that invitation.

The board did not provide a roll-call vote list in the transcript; members described the result as unanimous in the meeting’s verbal record. No dollar amount for the requested purchase was recorded in the transcript.