MEDIA ADVISORY: Background Briefing on Yazzie/Martinez Case and Upcoming Court Hearing

April 16, 2025

2025, Media Advisory, motion of noncompliance, Yazzie Martinez, Yazzie Martinez v. State of New Mexico

WHEN:
Monday, April 21, 2025 | 10:00 AM

WHERE:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7410412749?omn=88683593235

WHAT:
Ahead of the April 29 court hearing in the landmark Yazzie/Martinez education equity ruling, key experts will host a media briefing to provide essential background, context, and updates. This off-the-record session is intended to support accurate, in-depth reporting on the case and its broader implications for public education in New Mexico.

The briefing will cover:

A brief history and key findings of the Yazzie/Martinez decision, along with context from related lawsuits—Zuni, capital outlay, and technology access cases—that reveal long-standing inequities.
The state’s ongoing lack of compliance with the 2018 ruling, now challenged in a formal 2024 Motion of Noncompliance, detailing progress made, persistent gaps, and failure to meet constitutional obligations—especially for Native American students, English learners, students with disabilities, and children from low-income families.
What’s at stake in the April 29 hearing and why a fully funded, enforceable education plan is essential to transforming the system.
Why advocates are calling on the Legislative Education Study Committee (LESC) to lead a collaborative, transparent process to develop that remedial action plan.
Overview of statewide engagement efforts, including an upcoming Town Hall and Community Watch Party, and the growing role of students, tribal leaders, and families in holding the state accountable and building public momentum.

LA OMS:

Regis Pecos, Pueblo of Cochiti, Chair, Tribal Education Alliance
Loretta Trujillo, Executive Director, Transform Education NM
Melissa Candelaria, Pueblo of San Felipe, Education Director, Yazzie counsel, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty
Alisa Diehl, Senior Attorney, Yazzie counsel, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty

WHY:
The Yazzie/Martinez case centers on students’ constitutional right to a sufficient education. As the court considers whether to require a LESC-led remedial action plan, this briefing will help media understand the legal and community-driven efforts shaping the path forward.

Media RSVP and inquiries:

Paloma Mexika, Communications Director, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty, 505-305-2559
Meryl Chee, Communications Director, Transform Education NM, 505-918-0404