Horne Amplifies Cultural Conversations in State of Education Speech: What It Means for Our Schools

Arizona’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne, has a strong vision for schools. In his recent State of Education address, he called for increased armed security in schools, argued against transgender athletes in girls’ sports, and emphasized less focus on racial differences.

Horne expressed gratitude to lawmakers who supported a bill that would allow funding for retired police officers to safeguard schools. He believes that having trained personnel is crucial for student safety. “Gun-free schools invite trouble,” Horne said, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for any situation that might arise.

He pointed to a recent incident at a Tucson charter school where a resource officer successfully apprehended an armed intruder, crediting the officer with potentially saving countless lives. Horne remarked, “If that officer hadn’t been there, we could have faced a tragic outcome.”

Horne and Republican Representative Matt Gress urged critics of armed security to rethink their stance. Gress noted that during emergencies, counselors and social workers wouldn’t be able to respond quickly enough to ensure safety. Horne agreed, suggesting that having extra counselors in those moments wouldn’t have been beneficial.

During his speech, Horne also tackled other hot topics such as critical race theory and the rights of transgender students. He argued for valuing individual merit over recognizing racial or cultural differences. He stated, “Focusing only on racial preferences takes away from hard work and creativity.” In his view, embracing such philosophies could weaken the nation’s standing globally.

Horne’s opposition to bilingual education was also clear. He has long fought against dual-language instruction, which he believes conflicts with Arizona’s English-only laws set by Proposition 203. His experience enforcing English immersion has shaped this stance, despite past criticisms that his approach may not have effectively served all students. A recent investigation revealed issues with how English learner programs were managed in Arizona from 2006 to 2012.

Furthermore, Horne reiterated his support for school vouchers, which have expanded significantly since their inception. Originally aimed at specific students, the Empowerment Scholarship Account program now serves all K-12 children regardless of their family’s financial background. The initiative has increased enrollment significantly, but it faces pushback from critics who argue it disproportionately benefits wealthier families.

As Horne continues his tenure, he faces pressing challenges. Despite previous goals to improve teacher pay and discipline measures, progress has been limited. The clash over educational priorities persists in Arizona, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding school funding and safety.