Arizona School Board Member Faces Resignation Calls After Controversial Gesture

An Arizona school board member, Kimberly Fisher, is being urged to resign following a controversial incident during a public meeting. The event, which occurred on May 26 during a Deer Valley Unified School District Board meeting, involved a gesture that many interpreted as a Nazi salute.

During the meeting, Fisher raised her right arm while saying “Heil, heil” in an exchange with Board President Paul Carver Jr. This happened amid a disagreement about the timing of a community study session concerning district boundaries. Fisher opposed holding the session in the afternoon, arguing that it would restrict community participation.

Paul Carver adjourned the meeting after noting the topic was not on the posted agenda, potentially violating Arizona’s Open Meeting Law. In a Facebook video, Carver explained that he called for adjournment to avoid legal concerns, dismissing Fisher’s gesture as unjustified. He emphasized the importance of following state rules and condemned Fisher’s actions.

Following the incident, the Deer Valley Unified School District distanced itself from Fisher, clarifying that her actions and views do not represent the district. The district publicly stated its opposition to any language or gestures associated with hate or violence.

The Deer Valley Educators Association also condemned Fisher’s actions. Association President Kelley Fisher called for Fisher’s resignation, asserting that such behavior renders a leader unfit for public service. Fisher’s actions have sparked outrage within the educational community.

In response, Fisher posted a Facebook livestream, criticizing Carver’s leadership as dictatorial. She discouraged voters from supporting him in future elections, linking her thoughts during the meeting to historical dictators. However, she did not directly address her gesture.

Carver clarified that Arizona law limits school boards’ ability to discipline elected members. He labeled Fisher’s conduct as unacceptable and unprofessional.

The Deer Valley Unified School District serves over 33,000 students in northern Maricopa County, including areas such as north Phoenix and Glendale.