New Mexico

The New Mexico Supreme Court rules schools can be sued over discriminatory conduct

Published

12 months ago

January 23, 2025

The New Mexico Supreme Court rules schools can be sued over discriminatory conduct

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Supreme Court on Thursday cleared the way for an anti-discrimination lawsuit to proceed against the state’s largest school district, ruling that public schools and universities can be sued for discriminatory conduct under the New Mexico Human Rights Act.

The ruling stems from a 2018 case in which a high school teacher in Albuquerque was accused of cutting off one Native American girl’s hair and asking another if she was dressed as a “bloody Indian” during class on Halloween. That 16-year-old Navajo student was in a costume and had fake blood on her cheek.

Outrage over the girls’ treatment prompted legislation in New Mexico and elsewhere to prohibit discrimination based on hairstyle and religious head garments.

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“The NMHRA’s protections against numerous forms of discrimination must be read against the backdrop of this state’s unfortunate history of race-based discrimination, including that history transpiring within our public schools,” the court wrote. “The intent to prohibit discrimination in public schools has been apparent since the inception of statehood.”

The ruling affirmed a 2023 decision by an appellate court and concluded that public schools are a place of “public accommodation” under terms of the state’s anti-discrimination law. The court wrote that public schools do not restrict their services in a way that makes their use private, and it noted that the state constitution mandates that public schools in New Mexico be open to all children.

The justices also overturned a 1981 opinion stating public universities were not a public accommodation when it came to the “manner and method” of administering academic programs. The question about universities was raised in the appeal.

The legal wrangling began when the American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico sued Albuquerque Public Schools and a teacher over allegations of discrimination and fostering a hostile learning environment.

English teacher Mary Jane Eastin was dressed up for Halloween as what the lawsuit described as “a voodoo witch” and initiated a game in which she would ask students questions, rewarding those who answered correctly with marshmallows while giving dog food to those who didn’t.

At some point, Eastin asked a Native American student whether she liked her braids and then cut off about three inches with scissors, sprinkling the hair on her desk, the suit alleges.

Eastin also was accused of asking another student, plaintiff McKenzie Johnson, if she was dressed as a “bloody Indian.” Johnson’s mother later told reporters that her daughter was dressed for Halloween as Little Red Riding Hood, with a red paw mark on her face. Johnson said she no longer felt welcome at school.

She said in a statement issued Thursday that she feels “validated” by the ruling.

“No student should endure discrimination or disrespect in the classroom,” Johnson said. “I hope it serves as a wake-up call for educators to prioritize cultural sensitivity and create inclusive environments where every student feels valued and respected.”

The school district’s superintendent publicly apologized and told parents that Eastin would not return to Cibola High School.

The school district was reviewing the latest court ruling and planned to make a statement Thursday. Eastin’s attorney did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the ruling.

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New Mexico

The Roundhouse Report: Bernie Sanders praises New Mexico

Published

26 minutes ago

January 4, 2026

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The Roundhouse Report: Bernie Sanders praises New Mexico

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New Mexico

Blizzard warnings and winter storm warnings in effect for parts of New Mexico

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

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Blizzard warnings and winter storm warnings in effect for parts of New Mexico

Southeastern New Mexico will see some snow while other places will generally see cooler, more winter-like temperatures. See the latest conditions at KOB.com/Weather.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Some notable cities in New Mexico could see multiple inches of snow, along with possible wind and cooler temperatures Sunday into Monday.

There is going to be snow across the southeast. A winter storm advisory is in effect all throughout areas like Ruidoso and out toward the Texas state line. A winter storm warning for Carlsbad and even a blizzard warning for the Guadalupe Mountains. These advisories and warnings indicate it’s going to continue until Monday at 6 p.m.

How much snow might there be? Ruidoso could see a few inches, along with other higher-elevation areas. Carlsbad might even see as much as two inches and Roswell has a very good chance of snow.

Wind gusts ranged from 23 mph for Hobbs and Clovis, 25 in Santa Rosa and similar readings in other places. Temperatures could hit sub-freezing temperatures in places like Ruidoso, Roswell, Carlsbad and Hobbs. Meanwhile, Gallup and Grants could get into the single-digits. Plus, places like Albuquerque and Santa Fe will be in the 20s but the big “winner” is Alamosa, Colorado, with 2 degrees.

Chief Meteorologist Eddie Garcia shares all the details in his full forecast in the video above.

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New Mexico

New Mexico Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 Day results for Dec. 27, 2025

Published

7 days ago

December 28, 2025

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The New Mexico Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 27, 2025, results for each game:

Powerball

05-20-34-39-62, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Day: 4-1-4

Evening: 3-8-4

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Lotto America

08-10-20-47-50, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 05

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 4

Evening: 6-9-5-0

Day: 4-9-4-3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Roadrunner Cash

03-21-24-33-37

Check Roadrunner Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Powerball Double Play

13-22-33-61-62, Powerball: 20

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Las Cruces Sun-News editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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