Arizona schools chief John Huppenthal has extended a 60-day “cure period” to allow for a more thorough investigation into TUSD’s Mexican American Studies program.
The program had been declared in violation of state law by former Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, who called for eliminating the program hours before his term ended.
In a letter to TUSD Superintendent John Pedicone, Huppenthal said he would give the district an additional 45 days because the finding was issued before he took office.
“This extension is a good thing,” Pedicone said. “We are grateful for it because we need to understand better what the state needs us to do, and it provides an opportunity to have conversations outside of the hearing process to make sure all parties get what they need.
“Mr. Huppenthal is a thorough guy, and he is always interested in doing his own research. This gives his office time to do its own investigation.”
Pedicone went on to say that he’s had at least two conversations with Huppenthal, and the elimination of the program – as suggested by Horne – has never been discussed. Instead, Huppenthal has said he’d like to make his own determination on how to best remedy the situation.
However, Huppenthal has made statements since he took office that the TUSD program is not in compliance.
The law that TUSD has been found in violation of prohibits courses that:
• Promote the overthrow of the U.S. government.
• Promote resentment toward a race or class of people.
• Are designed primarily for pupils of a particular ethnic group.
• Advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of pupils as individuals.
Any school district found to be out of compliance will have state aid withheld at the end of the “cure period.”
The Tucson Unified School District contends it is in compliance with the law and has requested a hearing to appeal the decision, but that has not yet been scheduled.
Horne’s battle against TUSD’s Mexican American Studies began in 2006 after a visit from activist Dolores Huerta to Tucson High Magnet School, in which she made a comment that Republicans hate Latinos.
Rather than put an end to controversial speakers at public schools, Horne brought Margaret Dugan, a Latina Republican on his staff, to the school to show the other side.
While Dugan spoke, students stood up, turned their backs to her and put their fists in the air.
Horne and Dugan, who was defeated in her run to replace Horne in the primary election, called the students behavior disrespectful and blamed their classroom instruction.
