Media Contact

January 16, 2018

More than 2,600 petition signatures from people demanding action on discriminatory enrollment policies will be delivered this morning to the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools, which authorizes nearly all public charter schools in the state.

“The fact that so many Arizona charter schools’ enrollment policies and procedures contain plain legal violations demonstrates a clear failure of accountability,” said Alessandra Soler, executive director of the ACLU of Arizona. “The Arizona State Board for Charter Schools must act immediately to eliminate these discriminatory policies. It is time they stand up for all Arizona families and remove discriminatory barriers to enrollment.”

A report published in December by the ACLU of Arizona revealed that hundreds of public charter schools across the state have enrollment policies that are unlawful or discriminatory. The Charter Board authorizes more than 95 percent of charter schools in Arizona, and is responsible for ensuring that charter schools follow all laws and abide by the terms of their charter contracts.

Reporters are invited to attend the Charter Board’s public meeting in Phoenix:

  • WHAT: ACLU of Arizona will deliver petition signatures and offer public comment to the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools.
  • WHO: ACLU of Arizona staff and Demand to Learn advocates will be in attendance.
  • WHEN: Today, Tuesday, January 16, 2018. Public meeting starts at 9:00 a.m.
  • WHERE: Arizona Department of Education, 1534 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ, 85007. The Charter Board’s meeting room is located on the first floor. There is a parking garage located on 15th Avenue, south of Jefferson Street.

In addition to recommendations for the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools on how to improve public charter schools enrollment policies, the ACLU of Arizona report makes recommendations for parents and students, charter school operators, and the Arizona Department of Education. The report and its supporting data are available at www.acluaz.org/SchoolsChoosingStudents.