Arts educators and advocates successfully killed a proposed move in Arizona's Peoria Unified school district to bar arts educators from renewing memberships in their professional associations, including but not limited to the Educational Theatre Association, National Association for Music Education, National Dance Education Organization, and National Art Education Association. Sixty-four public speakers took the mic at an August 28 school board meeting to speak against the measure, which was struck down later that evening.
"Theatre saves lives. It saved mine…," said Sophie Albidrez, a state Thespian officer at Peoria's Centennial High School. Alvedrez was one of 25 students that spoke during the meeting's public comment period. "Through Thespian society, students are able to connect with professionals in their desired fields, gain scholarships and experience. My school alone received $5,000 in scholarships from Thespians last year. Removing us from the society and community is signing away countless students’ futures."
It's unclear why the district was looking to bar membership in the groups, though it appears that it was part of an effort to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion language from district-affiliated organizations. Anti-DEI sentiment has become something of a conservative trend in recent months, though the potential efficacy of barring these memberships in that effort would be minimal if anything at all. These organizations largely connect educators to colleagues and professional development resources, and work to inspire kids to increase achievements and earn scholarships. They do not place behavior or content requirements on members or participating schools. Though Peoria Unified is one of Arizona's largest districts, it's one of several that is currently in the process of enacting such bans.
"Becoming a national Thespian in high school taught me about time, commitment, and leadership…," said Centennial alum Hope Estle, currently studying theatre education at Grand Canyon University. "These programs provide real-world skills and scholarship opportunities for students, setting them up for success in college and beyond."
"These stars across my chest, awarded to me by the International Thespian Society, represent hundreds of hours dedicated to this program…," added Zoey Olson, a Centennial student. "Severing our district’s connection to the International Thespian Society would be an incredible disservice... and removes an opportunity for excellence in the fine arts for every student who comes after us."
The bulk of the evening's public comments came from members of the public, though Peoria board member Becky Proudfit spoke in support as well. "Man, I feel like such a proud mom. We need theatre kids at every board meeting," said Proudfit. "You guys are so well spoken and really speak to the heart of why the performing arts are so crucial... So my first son got dropped off for college, but I brought this with me. Do you know what this is? This is his Thespian honor cord. And my six-foot-one, rugby-playing son... took theatre to check a box… It really changed his whole high school experience. He’s now studying screenwriting in college. Theatre completely helped every area of his life."
“Theatre education equips students with essential skills—creativity, collaboration, and communication—that reach far beyond the stage," says EdTA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Katona in a statement. "Reducing these wide-ranging benefits to a political debate does a disservice to students, schools, and communities. What we witnessed in Arizona was a reminder of what’s possible when young people, parents, and educators come together: a united voice affirming that theatre matters. At a time when students are looking to adults to model unity, we must remember that theatre is not extracurricular—it is essential.”
Read the full testimony transcript here, or watch the live-streamed meeting in full on YouTube.
