OPINION: Protecting New Mexico’s children amid federal education cuts

This opinion piece originally appeared in the Albuquerque Journal on March 21, 2025

By: Danielle Gonzales

President Donald Trump issued a long-expected executive order this week to close the U.S. Department of Education, marking the most dramatic shift in federal education policy in modern history. For many New Mexicans, this may seem like distant news from Washington. It’s not. Federal actions directly impact our children’s future — particularly our most vulnerable students.

While the order itself has no legal heft, the abrupt reductions in force earlier this month have left key functions like the Office of Civil Rights and the Office of English Language Acquisition defunct. Students with disabilities, English learners and more vulnerable students now face a future with reduced federal support. Meanwhile, congressional budget proposals suggest a 25% reduction in Title I funding for low-income students and the potential elimination of Title III funds for English learners. These cuts signal a broader shift toward state-controlled education, with minimal federal oversight.

What does this mean for New Mexico’s children?

It means that when a child with disabilities faces discrimination, there may be no one to investigate. When a Native American student is denied appropriate language support, federal protection may be absent. When we need reliable data to track student progress, we may lack the tools to measure it accurately.

Amid this shifting landscape, New Mexico has a choice: let these changes set us back or seize this moment to build a more equitable, inclusive education system. The Yazzie-Martinez ruling has already made clear that New Mexico is failing at-risk students. Our latest state assessment results show how far we have to go — ranking last in the nation in multiple measures of student achievement, with chronic absenteeism alarmingly high.

Yesterday, the New Mexico Legislature wrapped up with little reform-oriented education action crossing the finish line, leaving many of these issues unaddressed at the state level. Yet, New Mexico has shown leadership before, advancing early childhood education and universal school meals even without federal mandates. We must act now to protect and improve education in our state:

1. Ensure immediate funding offsets. Our Legislature must address federal funding gaps to maintain essential student supports.

2. Uphold civil rights for all students. If federal enforcement weakens, New Mexico must strengthen its ability to investigate discrimination and protect educational rights. Every district should designate staff to handle these responsibilities.

3. Double down on culturally and linguistically responsive education. The Yazzie- Martinez mandate is legally required. We must continue funding and training teachers in approaches that meet the needs of New Mexico’s diverse student population.

4. Invest in robust data systems. With federal data at risk, New Mexico must build its own civil rights data infrastructure, tracking disparities in discipline, bullying, course access and other key areas. Families also need transparency on school climate, teacher retention and student preparedness for life after school.

5. Reenvision assessment and accountability. New Mexico has stepped away from state-level data and accountability in recent years. We now have an opportunity to invest in measuring what truly matters — ensuring students are learning while keeping education holistic and aligned with community expectations.

6. Honor tribal sovereignty in education. The federal government has a unique treaty and trust responsibility to Native American education. In this uncertain climate, New Mexico must strengthen support for tribally controlled schools, Native charter schools, Native American immersion programs and urban Native students.

7. Expand state leadership in essential federal programs. Beyond education, federal programs like Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, Section 8, and DACA impact NM children and families. New Mexico must act to ensure these supports remain intact for student well-being.

New Mexico’s educational challenges existed long before these cuts, and they’ll persist long after — unless we take decisive action.

I’ve seen what’s possible when we focus on our children.

These federal cuts aren’t just about bureaucracy; they’re about our children’s future. The responsibility now falls even more heavily on New Mexicans to lead in educational innovation, ensuring that all students, especially those identified in the Yazzie-Martinez ruling, receive an education that is both constitutionally sufficient and culturally affirming. Our future depends on it.