A split Washington Elementary School District Governing Board has voted to renew the district's student internship program with Arizona Christian University, more than a year after the university sued the district over its decision to terminate an earlier contract.
In February 2023, the Governing Board unanimously voted to end its partnership with the university, which had facilitated teaching internships for 11 years. At the time, board member Nikkie Gomez-Whaley cited the university's "strong anti-LGBTQ stance" as a reason to terminate the contract. Board member Tamilia Valenzuela voiced concern that the agreement could make queer students feel unsafe in the district.
All of Arizona Christian University's students and employees are required to sign a statement of faith that proclaims "homosexual conduct" is "sinful and offensive to God" and that "'marriage' has only one meaning: the uniting of one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union," according to the university's website.
At the time of the February vote, Gomez-Whaley said the district could not continue to align itself with organizations that "starkly contrast our values and say that we legitimately care about diversity, equity and inclusion and that we legitimately care about all of our families."
The board's decision was divisive, sparking swift backlash from some people, including Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, who claimed it amounted to religious prejudice, and drawing support from others.
Arizona Christian University quickly sued the district, arguing that the board terminated the agreement "solely" because of the "religious status and beliefs" of the university's students. Alliance Defending Freedom, a Scottsdale-based Christian legal group, represented the university.
In May 2023, the Washington Elementary board voted 4-1 to settle the lawsuit. As part of the settlement agreement, the district agreed to approve a student-teacher placement agreement for the 2023-24 school year.
That student-teacher placement agreement was set to expire on June 30, 2024, and could be renewed for up to four additional one-year terms. In a news release about the settlement agreement, Alliance Defending Freedom said it would "monitor agreement renewals to ensure the district takes no discriminatory action again in the future."
On Thursday, the Governing Board voted 3-2 to renew the student placement agreement with Arizona Christian University until June 2025, with board members Gomez-Whaley and Valenzuela opposed. There was no discussion from the board.
The meeting's agenda stated that the agreement "continues to be beneficial" to the district because it increased its ability to recruit new teachers. According to the agreement, all university students are required to comply with district policies. The agreement also states that both parties "shall comply with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, regulations, and executive orders governing equal opportunity and non-discrimination, within the educational experience program."
Washington Elementary has 33 elementary and middle schools in Phoenix and Glendale. The district serves roughly 20,000 students.
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Former Arizona Republic reporter Renata Cló contributed to this article.
Reach the reporter at mparrish@arizonarepublic.com.
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