JD Vance Criticized for Arizona Education Comments, Backed by Peoria School Board Candidates
JD Vance, the Republican Vice Presidential candidate, made a campaign stop in Peoria on Tuesday, drawing attention for controversial remarks. Known for his nativist stance, he suggested that students who do not speak English as a first language negatively impact the education of “American children.” His comments fueled ongoing debates about language and immigration in Arizona schools.
Vance claimed, “In Arizona schools right now, we have got thousands upon thousands of children who can’t even speak the native, the local language in Arizona. What does that do to the education of American children when their teachers aren’t teaching them, but they’re focused on kids who don’t have the legal right to be here?”
Despite his assertions, studies show that the presence of immigrant students can increase high school completion rates for US-born students. The United States has no official language, contradicting Vance’s implications.
Among those supporting Vance were Janelle Bowles and Jeff Tobey, both running for the Peoria school board. Bowles, sister of Arizona Sen. Anthony Kern, has been associated with election denialism, as evident from her Instagram posts. These also include transphobic attacks and symbols linked to White Nationalists and the “Stop the Steal” movement.
Tobey, endorsed by Republican figures Abe Hamadeh and Arizona Sen. Shawnna Bolick, expressed gratitude on Twitter, stating, “Huge thanks to Sen. JD Vance and all the incredible speakers for standing strong and fighting for the soul of the country.” Bowles also thanked Vance on Twitter.
School board elections in Arizona are officially nonpartisan, though political tensions often influence these races.
