Affirmative action and race-based preferences in education
Arizona's Proposition 142 on the 2026 ballot would constitutionally prohibit the government from requiring individuals to endorse preferential treatment or discrimination based on race or ethnicity in public education and other sectors. The measure reignites debates about affirmative action, diversity initiatives, and civil rights protections in Arizona's schools and public institutions.
Should Arizona constitutionally ban race- or ethnicity-based preferences in public education and government?
How OpenCampaign quiz-takers stand on this issue
30% call it a high-priority issue (rating it 7+ out of 10).
- Liberal34%
- Lean liberal19%
- Moderate26%
- Lean conservative7%
- Conservative14%
High-priority share over time
The high-priority share has ranged 24–39% since 2016. Election-year cohorts skew casual and under-rate every issue, so the dips around 2020 and 2024 partly reflect who took the quiz, not a shift in opinion.
Where do you stand?
Should Arizona constitutionally ban race- or ethnicity-based preferences in public education and government?
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Proposition 142: Prohibit the government from requiring an individual to endorse preferential treatment toward or discrimination against an individual on the basis of race or ethnicity
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- No — race-conscious policies are essential to remedy historic discrimination and achieve genuine equity.
- No — banning race-based considerations would roll back civil rights progress in Arizona schools and government.
- Race-neutral but socioeconomic-based preferences should be used instead of an outright constitutional ban.
- Yes — government institutions should be prohibited from mandating race or ethnicity-based preferences.
- Yes — ban all race-based preferences and enforce strict colorblind standards across all public institutions.