Education Equality Lawsuit, UNM Athletics Financial Troubles, The Line

This week on New Mexico in Focus, producer Sarah Gustavus sits down with an attorney and one of the parents listed in a combined lawsuit that argued that the state’s public education system is not meeting constitutional requirements to provide equal access to education, particularly for economically disadvantaged students, Native Americans, students with disabilities and English Language learners. Judge Sarah Singleton ruled last week in favor of the plaintiffs, and gave state officials a deadline in spring 2019 to adequately fund education.

Sarah Gustavus also sits down with Albuquerque Journal sports writer Geoff Grammer. Along with covering the UNM Lobos and their team’ scores, he has reported on financial troubles in the university’s Athletics Department. The UNM Board of Regents’ recent decision to cut four sports was unpopular with athletes and their community supporters. Grammer will talk about what he’s uncovered in his reporting and why the business of sports matters for all New Mexicans.

Gene Grant and the Line opinion panelists discuss what’s next for New Mexico in the wake of Judge Singleton’s ruling on public education funding. They also debate reactions to the cut of four teams and ongoing financial troubles in the UNM Athletics Department.

Host: Gene Grant

Correspondents:
Sarah Gustavus
Megan Kamerick

Studio Guests:
Geoff Grammer, reporter, Albuquerque Journal
Wilhelmina Yazzie (Navajo), parent and plaintiff
Preston Sanchez, attorney, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty

Line Panelists:
Merritt Allen, owner and executive director, Vox Optima LLC
Viki Harrison, director of state operations, Common Cause
Andy Lyman, reporter, NM Political Report
Dan McKay, reporter, Albuquerque Journal