NW Valley Times

Arizona State Senator Anthony Kern (R-27) is calling on the resignation of Washington Elementary School District governing board member Tamillia Valenzuela following Valenzuela's remarks about Arizona Christian University and the board's vote to sever ties with the Glendale-based university.

"I am requesting the immediate resignation of @WESDschools School Board Member Tamillia Valenzuela!" Kern tweeted. "Discrimination based on religious beliefs is wrong!"

According to a report in the PHX Reporter, "The Washington Elementary School District (WESD) has voted to end a student teaching internship contract with Arizona Christian University (ACU) over concerns of the university’s 'biblically informed values.'"

In a press release accompanying his tweet, Kern cited what he said were "discriminatory remarks" by Valenzuela "regarding students from Arizona Christian University and people of the Christian faith."

Kern's press release cites Valenzuela's remarks at the February 23 meeting of the WESD school board, "At some point, we need to get real with ourselves and take a look at who we're making legal contracts with and the message this is sending to our community. Because that makes me feel like I could not be safe in this school district."

According to the school board's February 23 meeting agenda, the school district’s Business Services Department had recommended renewing the agreement with ACU, which had been in place since February 22, 2018. 

“The purpose of the agreement is to secure students of Arizona Christian University to participate in Student Teaching Internships at schools within the District,” according to the meeting agenda. “All placements go through the Human Resources Department to ensure qualified personnel will host the students. Upon placement, WESD and the university will ensure all students abide by WESD policies and procedures. Each student will be required to have a valid fingerprint clearance card on file in the Human Resources Department prior to beginning their student teaching.” 

This five year agreement is now ending, after a motion by Valenzuela to end the contract was unanimously supported by all five members of the board.

"While we're facing a shortage of teachers, Valenzuela is impugning the motives of teachers with certain religious beliefs. This is NOT what our country was founded on," said Kern. "This is absolute discrimination, and somebody like this should not be making decisions for Arizona and Arizona families."

Founded in 1960, Arizona Christian University is a four year, private, non-profit university located in Glendale, Arizona. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the university has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1992.

Headquartered in Glendale, AZ, the Washington Elementary School District encompasses north central Phoenix and east Glendale. According to the district’s Web site, It is the largest elementary school district in Arizona, with 33 schools. The district’s mission is to “student achievement, preparing all students to become responsible, successful contributors to our diverse society.”