Investigation finds Native students face harsher discipline in Gallup schools
Justice Department report says Native and Hispanic students lose more instructional time to suspensions
Gallup-McKinley County Schools disproportionately disciplines Native American and Hispanic students, causing them to lose significantly more instructional time than their peers, according to reporting by Source NM. The findings come from a yearslong investigation by the New Mexico Department of Justice, which found Native American students lose roughly 8 to 10 times as many school days to out-of-school suspensions as white students, while Hispanic students lose three to four times as many.
The New Mexico Department of Justice found the district has reduced expulsions and referrals to law enforcement since the investigation began in 2023, according to the Source NM reporting. Gallup-McKinley County Schools said it is reviewing the report and highlighted efforts under Superintendent Jvanna Hanks, including the creation of an Equity Council with positions designated for members of the Native American community. The district also said it is committed to ensuring all students are treated fairly and remain engaged in learning.
- 1.Source NM.
We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.
