SE Valley Times

The Arizona House of Representatives has approved HCR2042, a resolution sponsored by Speaker Steve Montenegro. This measure aims to expand prohibitions on preferential treatment and discrimination based on race or ethnicity in public education, hiring, and contracting. The resolution will now move to the Senate for consideration. If passed, it will be placed on the ballot for voter approval, reinforcing Arizona's constitutional protections against race-based discrimination.

Speaker Montenegro praised the passage of the resolution, stating it is a critical step in safeguarding fairness and equality in Arizona. "Arizona voters have already made it clear—they reject race-based discrimination in all forms. HCR 2042 strengthens those protections by ensuring that public institutions cannot coerce individuals into endorsing or supporting ideologies that undermine equal treatment under the law," said Speaker Montenegro. He emphasized that character and ability should define a person's worth.

The resolution aligns with recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions striking down race-based affirmative action and executive orders eliminating federal support for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. "Calling discrimination 'equity' doesn’t make it just—it’s still wrong, and Arizona won’t tolerate it," Speaker Montenegro continued.

HCR2042 is part of the House Republican Majority Plan, which prioritizes preserving the American Dream and protecting individual rights. With House approval secured, Speaker Montenegro expressed confidence about its path forward in the Senate: "Arizona has led the way before, and we’ll do it again."

Steve Montenegro serves as the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives for Legislative District 29.

Information from this article can be found here.