1. Proposition 107 is an anti-equal-opportunity measure that would eliminate important programs that ensure academic success for Arizona’s students.

2. Prop. 107 threatens many programs that support academic progress and improved student achievement, including: WISE (Women in Science and Engineering), which supports women studying math, science, technology, and engineering; Upward Bound, a program designed to help low-income college students of color learn study habits, enroll in the right classes and prevent dropouts; and the Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program, which provides Hispanic girls in Grades 7-12 and their mothers five years of preparation for college.

3. Proposition 107 is backed by out-of-state interests who are pushing their own agenda and are not concerned with what is best for Arizona. They are not familiar with our state’s equal-opportunity programs. They promote Prop. 107 as an initiative that will end quotas, but the truth is, Arizona doesn’t have quotas for hiring or college admission.

4. We are in a global economy, which means Arizona needs a diverse and talented workforce in order to be competitive.

5. Arizona and society as a whole benefit from a diverse workforce and student population. Our state is served well by programs that recognize and celebrate diversity.

Joe Thomas is vice president of the Arizona Education Association.