HCR 2001 Summary

• Proposes constitutional amendments to prohibit preferential treatment or discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public employment, education, and contracting, with narrow exceptions for federal compliance and bona fide qualifications.

• Amends Article II, Section 36 of the Arizona Constitution to define "public educational institution" broadly to include school districts, charter schools, universities, and community colleges, with the legislature to prescribe penalties for willful violations.

• Adds Article XI, Section 12 to prohibit employees and governing boards of public schools, universities, and community colleges from compelling students or employees to adopt ideas deemed contrary to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including specific prohibitions on teaching that races are inherently superior/inferior or that individuals bear responsibility for historical actions of their racial or ethnic group.

• Modifies Article XI, Section 7 to define "political test" as compelling commitment to ideologies promoting differential treatment based on race or ethnicity, including diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, while preserving the ability to teach historical instances of discrimination and hatred.

• Requires submission of the proposition to Arizona voters at the next general election.