Dear editor, On March 24, House Republicans forced a vote on a deeply dangerous bill that would endanger transgender and LGBTQ+ students and pave the way for censorship in the classroom. Modeled after bills passed at the state level, which have censored the teaching of American history, allowed book bans, and violated the safety and privacy of transgender and LGBTQ+ students— this disturbing and harmful bill is deeply out of touch with our values as New Mexicans and the well-being of our communities.
In New Mexico, the people have spoken— having just passed a Constitutional Amendment last year to make the largest investment in early childhood education ever in our history, created a universal childcare and free college system, and passed legislation to protect gender-affirming care this legislative session. I am proud of our state and what we stand for. And, as an Albuquerque Public School graduate whose life was deeply impacted by our public schools and teachers— I will never stop fighting to protect our transgender kids and defend our public schools.
U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (N.M.-01)