A New Mexico judge has mandated the development of a comprehensive plan to rectify longstanding educational disparities affecting Native American and other at-risk students in the state’s public schools.
On April 29, 2025, State District Court Judge Matthew Wilson ordered the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED) to collaborate with plaintiffs from the 2018 Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit and an independent expert to formulate a remedial strategy.
This directive follows the court’s earlier finding that the state failed to provide adequate education to students from low-income households, English language learners, and those with disabilities, thereby violating constitutional obligations.
Despite a 62% increase in annual K-12 spending since 2016, bringing the total to $4.2 billion in 2024, significant educational gaps persist, particularly among Native American students.
Judge Wilson emphasized that the forthcoming plan should offer enduring guidance to both legislative and executive branches, ensuring that educational policies remain consistent amid political and economic changes.
The remedial plan is expected to take up to five years to implement and aims to address systemic issues within New Mexico’s education system.
The PED has expressed its commitment to leading the development of this plan, with the goal of providing all students in the state with an excellent education and resolving the ongoing litigation associated with the Yazzie-Martinez case.
This ruling comes in the wake of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s recent veto of legislation intended to expand specialized schools focused on Native American language and culture.
The veto, issued without comment, has further highlighted the urgency of addressing educational inequities faced by Native American communities in New Mexico.
The court’s decision underscores the necessity for a structured and collaborative approach to reforming the state’s public education system, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to quality education.
