PED’S SPITEFUL DECISION IS BLATANT PARTISAN POLITICS AND A SHAMEFUL DISREGARD FOR PUBLIC INTEREST, PARENTS AND OUR CHILDREN
| Albuquerque, October 29—Halloween is upon us, and what New Mexico’s Public Education Department has done is downright scary. Just hours after the Republican Party of New Mexico respectfully requested an extension of the public comment period on PED’s proposed social studies curricula on November 12, the Secretary of Public Education quickly killed the scheduled public hearing in Santa Fe. This brazen decision is not only shocking but destroys a democratic process that allows for fair and equitable public input. PED’s Secretary wants to hide live input for what’s become an unpopular scholastic plan. This is unconscionable, undemocratic and un-American. The state has bluntly silenced the voice of parents and others to speak in person regarding this controversial plan. This is a totalitarian tactic, and there’s no excuse. The move stinks of partisan politics, as the PED obviously wants to ramrod these teachings directly into our schools. Late yesterday, RPNM Chairman Steve Pearce expressed to Secretary Kurt Steinhaus that a two-hour public comment period on November 12 simply wasn’t enough time for adequate input on such a complex and detailed proposal. Although a daylong hearing would have been preferable, RPNM recommended 5 hours, so people could have enough time to provide their views. It would also allow PED to collect more information and public comment to evaluate what is happening. The proposed curricula changes have raised serious concerns across the state. It includes progressive and biased teachings, and there’s great concern that Critical Race Theory will become a staple in public education classrooms. CRT is of particular concern: Government should not be indoctrinating students. Government should not bring politics in the classroom. CRT teaches K-12 students that our country is bad. That should not be in our classrooms. Hours after Pearce reached out, PED suddenly decided to cancel the in-person public comment session in favor of a brief Zoom meeting, something the progressive leaders can control. A simple click now will shorten peoples’ time, silence their voices and PED will decide who will be entitled to talk. The fears and concerns of parents, teachers and school board members will not be heard because PED is afraid of parental input. Once again New Mexico’s executive branch is deciding what’s best for New Mexicans and their children without allowing a free and healthy discussion. This authoritarian attitude cannot be tolerated. “This rash, political decision to kill the public comment period is as dangerous as the proposal itself,” said Republican Party of New Mexico Chairman Steve Pearce. “This is another case of the Lujan Grisham Administration trying to control our lives with its progressive agenda. People are being denied the right to be heard, and the PED’s motives are clear. The Administration has tunnel vision and won’t listen to opposition. Education leaders want to force these radical ideas to be taught in our classrooms. What’s truly dangerous is that this extremist proposal will have a devastating impact on our children, our education system and the future of New Mexico.” |
| The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) advances the ideals of individual liberties for the advancement of its citizens and the greater prosperity of our communities throughout New Mexico. Led by an Executive Board and its Chairman, former NM Congressman Steve Pearce, RPNM serves all New Mexicans via its headquarters in Albuquerque and can be contacted at (505) 298-3662. |
