SANTA FE - A group of equity students from the Central Consolidated School District is making their voices heard at the Capitol by meeting New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham in support of a crucial piece of legislation. On February 14th, the students were advocating for House Bill 134, which proposes the creation of the Tribal Education Trust Fund.
The equity students, including Kimberly Guardado, Nevaeh Sandoval, Danika Begay, Alison Pine, Cody Tsinnijinnie, and Izzabella Etcitty, were in the Capitol to raise awareness and to make a last effort to garner support for the legislation. “Our goal there was to support the bill and ensure a smooth procedure for the bill,” Cody Tsinnijinnie said. The bill has also received backing from Navajo Nation President Nygren, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Curly, and Navajo, Pueblo and Apache tribal leaders.
The bill, which stalled on the Senate Floor yesterday, had received bipartisan support from both Democrats and Republicans, aiming to provide $50 million in state-funded trust for Native American students. The funding would have helped the New Mexico tribal communities with quality education and support for indigenous children.
At the end of the day, students were graced with Governor Lujan Grishams presence to engage with our equity students and hear their support for their schools and community. Grisham showed her support for the navajo nation and the Central Consolidaged School District through our equity students.
The Central Consolidated School District supported the bill, as it would benefit Native American students. With a 70% increase in the number of homeless students due to COVID and local plant closures, the funding from the bill would have helped close the educational and social-emotional gaps for the children.
The students' advocacy and support from the community can help create a brighter future for Native American students and their communities. “I see schools being affected by the state capitol as changes that may encompass adjustments to educational policy, distribution of funds, or legislative resolutions that have a direct impact on school systems.” Tsinnijinnie said. “It's critical to be informed about decisions made at the state level in order to comprehend any potential effects on education in New Mexico.”
Overall, the experience left our equity students feeling empowered as they saw first-hand how they can make a difference at the State Capitol. "I am very thankful that myself and the other students got to go on this amazing experience we will never forget and that will encourage us to help make a better future for our younger generation," Izzabella Etcitty said.
Democracy is not a spectators game, it's about having your voice heard. That’s what our equity students were doing in the Capitol on Feb. 14 as they represented their schools and students in the Central Consolidated School District.