On Thursday, June 29, 2023, afterthe Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions, saying race cannot be a factor. Many people of color questioned the Court’s decision.
When people like Heman Sweat tried to attend law school, race was the primary barrier to his admission to the University of Texas. When Medger Evers could not attend law
school at the University of Mississippi School of Law, race was the primary barrier that prohibited his admission.When Barbara Jordan, a woman who became a member of Congress, was forced to become a member of the inaugural class at Texas Southern University, a Black college hastily created by the Texas legislature to avoid having to integrate the University of Texas, race was a barrier to where she could obtain her education.
Purpose shall be to remain current on political issues affecting African American communities throughout the State of New Mexico at local, state and national levels, to inform the Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) about such issues, and to work together to seek resolution to such issues when appropriate to do so.
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"Today the Supreme Court has bowed to the personally held beliefs of an extremist minority. We will not allow hate-inspired people in power to turn back the clock and undermine our hard-won victories. The tricks of America's dark past will not be tolerated. Let me be clear - affirmative action exists because we cannot rely on colleges, universities, and employers to enact admissions and hiring practices that embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. Race plays an undeniable role in shaping the identities of and quality of life for Black Americans. In a society still scarred by the wounds of racial disparities, the Supreme Court has displayed a willful ignorance of our reality. The NAACP will not be deterred nor silenced in our fight to hold leaders and institutions accountable for their role in embracing diversity no matter what." NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement reaffirming the Association's commitment to tools that support equal access to higher education for Black students:
By JESSICA GRESKO - Associated Press |
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority has ruled a Christian graphic artist who wants to design wedding websites can refuse to work with same-sex couples. The decision is a defeat for gay rights. The court ruled 6-3 on Friday for designer Lorie Smith despite a Colorado law barring discrimination based on sexual orientation, race, gender and other characteristics. Smith argued the law violates her free speech rights. Smith’s opponents warned a win for her would allow a range of businesses to discriminate, refusing to serve Black, Jewish or Muslim customers, interracial or interfaith couples or immigrants. But Smith and her supporters said a ruling against her would force artists to do work that's against their beliefs.
Caucus Monthly Meetings
July 27, 2023 at 6:00 PM via Zoom
(Submit ideas on matters you would like to see the Caucus address at meeting)
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Caucus Elections
July 27, 2023
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Democratic applicants needed to fill open seats
By MARK SHERMAN - Associated Press
A sharply divided Supreme Court has ruled that the Biden administration overstepped its authority in trying to cancel or reduce student loans for millions of Americans. Conservative justices were in the majority in Friday’s 6-3 decision that effectively killed the $400 billion plan that President Joe Biden announced last year. Borrowers are on the hook for repayments that are supposed to resume by late summer. The court held that the administration needs Congress’ endorsement before undertaking so costly a program and rejected arguments that a bipartisan 2003 law dealing with student loans provided the authority Biden claimed. Read more
By Nicole Maxwell,
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected on Tuesday an attempt to exempt state legislatures from federal judicial review for redistricting issues.
The Supreme Court rejected the “independent state legislature theory” in the Moore V. Harper (2003) case on a 6-3 vote.
The theory states that state legislatures have “exclusive and independent authority” to draw federal congressional maps” based on the U.S.
By Nicole Maxwell, Jun 27, 2023 12:00 am
New Mexico will receive $675 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to expand broadband access across the state.
“It is no accident that this funding made up the largest percentage of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law; broadband projects are incredibly expensive and a vital part (of) every aspect of our lives,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a press release Monday. “This funding empowers New Mexico to continue to bridge the digital divide and create equal opportunities for our residents.
By Susan Dunlap, Jun 30, 2023 12:05 am
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico and Bold Futures sent a letter to Jim Heckert, chief executive officer of Gerald Champion Regional Medical Center, expressing concern about the proposed merger of the Alamogordo-based hospital with Catholic-based Christus Health.
The ACLU-NM and Bold Futures outline several concerns regarding the proposed merger which, according to the letter, is set to take place July 1.
By Hannah Grover, Jun 28, 2023 12:05 am
Elephant Butte Irrigation District Manager Gary Esslinger showed legislators a graph on Tuesday depicting the amount of water released and stored in Elephant Butte Reservoir over the decades.
“The graph that you see here is what is represented as a hydrographic, hydrologic history of the (Rio Grande) Project,” he said. “You can also call it a climate change pattern. You can also call it a living water testimony.
The legislation to provide alternative methods for children to testify who have been abused, other than being in the same room as their abuser, traumatizing these children again and again.
Permitting an individual to bring a claim against a public body or person acting on behalf of or under the authority of a public body for a violation of the individual's rights, Privileges or immunities arising pursuant to the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of New Mexico.
Creating Department Liaison; creating an advisory council; providing powers and duties; requiring racial sensitivity and anti-racism training or professional development for school personnel.
Prohibiting discipline, discrimination or disparate treatment in schools treatment in schools based on the hair or culture headdress of a student.
Help ensure that previously incarcerated individuals had access to voting after they completed their prison sentences.
Legislation to act on capping interest rates so low income families could have access to financial resources at reasonable rates.
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