The Navajo Nation tribal government is opposing the State of New Mexico’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit centering on public education. The lawsuit Yazzie/Martinez v. the State of New Mexico alleges New Mexico failed to provide a sufficient education for at-risk students including Native Americans.
A letter from Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer to New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and other representatives said, "The lawsuit needs to be pursued so Native students can be provided adequate education programs and services necessary to learn and thrive." The letter says the state has not yet implemented the systematic changes required by a judge’s order two years ago.
A court hearing is scheduled next week, in which Lujan Grisham will ask a state judge to dismiss the lawsuit. Her administration argues that the state has increased funding for education, that future changes will take years, and that they should not be micromanaged by court orders.