We're barely two weeks out from the election and we're already seeing reports of Christian nationalism infiltrating schools across the country. But let's get real: As Arizonans, we've been seeing concerted attacks on public education for years. From massive (though voter-opposed) voucher expansions — rife with fraud and waste — that funnel tax dollars to unaccountable religious charter schools, to elected leadership targeting educators with bogus and racist conspiracy theories, Arizona has long been ground zero in the battle for public ed. Unfortunately, already vulnerable communities bear the brunt. Now, efforts to tear down the public education system are ramping up across the country as the Trump regime prepares to take power. In Texas, the State Board of Education is pushing curriculum that's centered on Christian ideology. As Hemant Mehta puts it, Texas' religion-infused "Blue Bonnet Curriculum" effectively turns every classroom into Sunday School. The news out of Oklahoma is alarming, too. There, Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has made the news for 1) attempting to spend over $3 million purchasing bibles for every classroom; 2) insisting that those bibles be Trump bibles; 3) actually purchasing 500 Trump bibles and making them required reading for AP Government classes; 4) forming a new Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism; and 5) requiring students to watch videos of himself praying for Trump. It's... a lot. Fortunately, many brave school districts are refusing to play the videos, and the state AG says Walters has exceeded his authority. In Kentucky, Nebraska and Colorado, voters rejected attempts to expand vouchers. We applaud the voters who understand the damage vouchers cause. For example, here in Phoenix the Roosevelt School District is thinking of closing five schools due to budget shortfalls. We do have to point out the irony, though, in that two states that voted against voucher expansion also voted for Trump... quite similar to how majority of Arizonans voted to protect abortion rights but also voted for Trump and Republicans, who are directly responsible for taking. Away. Abortion. Rights. Make it make sense. To top it all off, yesterday Trump announced his pick to lead the Department of Education: former professional wrestler Linda McMahon. Her "qualifications?" Let's see. There was that one time, when she was in college, when she thought about becoming a teacher. Then there was that time she lied about having an education degree. And she was the chair of the voucher-pushing, public-school-dismantling America First Policy Institute. Oh, and she's accused of covering up an employee sexually abusing minors, so she should fit right into Trump's cabinet. Of course, Trump says he's eliminating the Department of Education, so Linda will be out of a job soon enough. In the meantime, we'll keep fighting for our public schools. Secular AZ Executive Director Jeanne Casteen reports on school board meetings, but she's just one woman and she could use your help. Let us know if you want to sit in on meetings and help our members stay informed. | 
