Proposition 142 - Proposed Amendment to the Constitution by the Legislature Relating to the Prohibition of Preferential Treatment and Discrimination
BALLOT LANGUAGE
WHAT IT MEANS
Yes
No
ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST
Yes
"Most Arizonans believe that all people should be treated equally. No matter who is in power in Washington D.C., Arizona’s schools, universities, and state agencies should never treat a student, staffer, or candidate differently under the guise of racial quotas or “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI). This measure ensures that state taxpayer resources are never used to force students or state employees to endorse race-based discrimination or spend time and tuition dollars supporting programming that divides Arizonans by race.
We’ve seen the pendulum swing back and forth too many times in Washington D.C. This measure will establish permanent protections in Arizona’s own state constitution by closing an existing loophole that has allowed race-based preferential treatment in hiring, education and state contracting if the federal government calls for it." - Victor Riches, President & CEO, Goldwater Institute
"Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies have failed Arizonans. Rather than supporting academic freedom, opportunity and debate, they have led to divisive discriminatory practices and preferential treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race and sex.
Prop 142 is a necessary measure to uphold fairness and opportunity in Arizona state government, schools, and universities. If approved by voters, this reform would protect freedom of speech by ensuring those employers uphold an equal opportunity system rather than giving preferential treatment based on sex or skin color. Further, it would prohibit the employers from requiring DEI loyalty oaths as a condition of employment.
In Arizona, we ought to evaluate individuals based on their skills, their character, and their hard work." - Nathan Duell, Arizona State Director, Heritage Action
"Vote YES on Prop 142. Arizona's constitution currently contains a loophole: race-based preferential treatment in state hiring, university admissions, and contracting is prohibited except when the federal government calls for it. That carve-out has allowed racial quotas and DEI programs to take root in Arizona's public institutions whenever Washington mandates them, regardless of what Arizonans themselves want.
This measure closes that loophole for good. It constitutionally prohibits Arizona's schools, universities, and state agencies from treating any student, employee, or contractor differently because of race with no exceptions, and no dependence on which administration occupies the White House. State agencies will award contracts based on performance, not racial classification. Schools will hire based on merit and qualifications. Students won't be required to fund or participate in racialized programming with their tuition dollars." - Scot Mussi, President, Arizona Free Enterprise Club
No
"A confusing change to our state’s constitution that censors what can be said in our schools and other institutions by rolling back First Amendment rights. This is a thinly veiled attempt to give the state more power over how schools and other agencies are able to conduct business and what they can say. Even more confusing, Prop 142 carves out exemptions in specific areas, including health services and law. Prop 142 gives the government more control over what we can and can’t say in certain settings." - Will of the People
"The constitutional measure is unnecessary: Arizona law already prohibits discrimination and preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, and national origin. HCR 2044 goes far beyond those protections by restricting public schools, colleges, universities, and local governments from educational programs, training, outreach activities, and discussions related to race, ethnicity, diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.
The measure contains expansive and ambiguous language that could discourage institutions from offering lawful programs focused on student success, community engagement, cultural understanding, mentoring, or educational access. Faced with uncertainty and potential legal challenges, schools and public institutions may choose to eliminate programs and activities that serve our students and communities.
The measure leaves the door open for future censorship well beyond the provisions voters are being asked to approve today. HCR 2044 grants future Legislatures the authority to prohibit additional concepts and activities without returning to voters for approval. This invites continuing political battles over curriculum, educational programs, research, training, and community engagement activities. Public schools, colleges, and universities should be preparing students to think critically, solve complex problems, and succeed in a diverse and competitive workforce—not navigating legislative efforts to restrict learning, inquiry, and the free exchange of ideas." - Pinny Sheoran, Board Officer, Secretary/State Advocacy Chair, League of Women Voters of Arizona
"We urge a NO vote on Proposition 142 because it violates the First Amendment, attacks academic freedom, and seeks to dismantle decades of progress that has created a more just and equitable society for all Arizonans. Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) provides everyone, no matter their background, fair access to opportunity.
Attacks on DEI are attacks on our shared culture and values. DEI bans have been used to censor information about veterans, erase the history of marginalized groups, purge academic faculty, and censor academic discussion based on the viewpoints of the speaker. HCR2044 violates the First Amendment and the values that make Arizona a welcoming and equal place for all. The ACLU of Arizona urges a NO vote." - Darrell Hill, Director of Policy, ACLU of Arizona
ENDORSEMENTS
Yes
Tim Dunn (Conservative)
T.J. Shope (Conservative)
Warren Petersen (Conservative)
J. D. Mesnard (Conservative)
Vince Leach (Conservative)
No
Our Voice, Our Vote (Liberal)
League of Women Voters of Arizona (Liberal)
Cesar Aguilar (Liberal)
Mitzi Epstein (Liberal)
ACLU of Arizona (Liberal)
FINANCIAL BACKING
The following information provides insight into the money being spent to pass or defeat the ballot measure.
Yes
This question is on the ballot in Arizona as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 3, 2026. As of October 1, 2026, no committee to support the amendment has been identified. Thus, there is no record of funds raised to support the amendment.
No
This question is on the ballot in Arizona as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment on November 3, 2026. As of October 1, 2026, the committees formed to oppose Arizona Proposition 142, Prohibit Race or Ethnicity-Based Preferential Treatment, Public Education Offices, Disciplinary Policies Amendment are:
Selected contributions to: "Will of the People" include:
- Progress Arizona
Selected contributions to: "Worker Power PAC" include:
As of October 1, 2026, there are no contributions to report.
OTHER INFORMATION
