Students attending Arizona’s public schools, community colleges and universities may be restricted from operating race-based organizations on campus following a proposal recently approved by a state legislative panel.
According to media reports, the measure would prohibit the operation of student groups such as the Black Business Students Association (BBSA) at Arizona State University, Native Americans United at Northern Arizona University and other organizations “based in whole or in part on race-based criteria.” Critics of the measure say it threatens diversity-related initiatives and attacks necessary minority student-led organizations. However, Rep. John Kavanagh, R-Scottsdale, a supporter of the new measure, says groups that incorporate ethnic or racial identity are “self-defeating” and “self-destructive” for students.
The measure would also prohibit Arizona public schools from including any courses, classes, or school-sponsored activities deemed contradictory to the values of American democracy or Western civilization. According to various reports, the new proposal stems from a conflict involving an ethnic-studies course in the Tucson area, which some critics have referred to as “separatist” and “unpatriotic.”
Dr. Stanlie James, director of African and African American Studies at ASU, would not comment on the proposed measure but says that groups such as the BBSA help “enrich the intellectual environment” at the university. Sharon Keeler, an ASU spokeswoman, adds that the university “has a policy not to comment on proposed legislation.”
Although the primary mission of the BBSA is to identify and develop resources for the academic success of Black students, the organization is open to all ASU students regardless of ethnic background or academic discipline, according to the university’s Web site.
However, Kavanagh adds that the measure would encourage students to celebrate their common American heritage.
“It’s going to ensure that all students are put on a path to assimilation in line with America’s traditional ‘melting pot’ philosophy,” he says. “It’s best for the students because students who are proficient in American values can much better succeed in America.”
