A middle schooler said she was raped. Then she was suspended from classes.
After a 13-year-old reported sexual assault, she was left to navigate a system where limited state and federal oversight leave school districts to decide how allegations are handled.
The federal government is scaling back civil rights enforcement for students. What does that mean for K-12 schools?
This inaugural podcast episode of “Searchlight New Mexico with Ed Williams” delves into the complexities of sexual assault in schools. Student advocates Sabrina Bernadel and Susan Moen offer their takes on the issue.
As feds scale back sex assault oversight, school districts have final say
New Mexico provides no oversight of sexual assault between students in schools. A recent case in Hobbs shows what that can mean.
Hobbs police struggle with sex crimes
Police in Hobbs said an alleged rape was consensual. The department has a long, troubled record with sex crimes.
How we reported on sexual assault in schools
Sexual violence is a particularly difficult topic for investigative reporters to cover.
Reporta violación y la suspenden de clases
Read in English. Advertencia de contenido: Esta historia contiene descripciones de acusaciones de agresión sexual que involucran a niños. Si usted o alguien que conoce ha sufrido una agresión sexual, visite la Línea Nacional de Ayuda para Víctimas de Agresión Sexual de RAINN para obtener asistencia. Llame al 800.656.HOPE (4673), chatee en RAINN.org/hotline o envíe un…
Featured Stories
Tensions increase over tight timeline for Project Jupiter’s air quality permit
Neither the state Environment Department nor a hearing officer is willing to make an official call on its unrealistic timeline.
Judge postpones consideration of order on return of teenager sent to Mexico
A First Judicial District judge expressed concerns the boy and his mother did not have legal representation in the lawsuit.
Commissioners to notify Project Jupiter developers of potential breach of bond agreement
Doña Ana County commissioners agreed to notify Project Jupiter developers of a breach in their agreement with the county following a closed session discussion Tuesday.
‘Retreat on methane’: New Mexico advocates, industry leaders react to rollbacks
The New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board will consider more stringent state-led methane rules in early December.
Costly tornado cleanup underway in Santa Fe as more rain expected
Another series of storm systems is expected from Thursday through late Monday, bringing a renewed risk of flash flooding.
Las Cruces added to ‘infested zone’ as New World screwworm spreads
Within the infested zones, animals must be inspected and, if necessary, treated before being moved in or out of the area.
‘The people say stop’: New Mexico students walk out to protest data centers
Protestors at several events across the state Tuesday voiced their opposition to Project Jupiter, the massive data center being built in Doña Ana County.
New World screwworm cases identified in Doña Ana, Hidalgo counties
State and federal agriculture authorities have identified three new cases of New World screwworm.
One dead in Socorro County flooding as rivers recede in San Juan County
Floodwaters from the Rio Puerco surrounded and stranded residents late Sunday night in the unincorporated area of San Francisco in Socorro County.
Project Jupiter foes dealt blow in data center permit fight
State officials are unsure how long it will take to review Project Jupiter’s updated air quality permit application.
How will Medicaid changes affect older New Mexicans?
People over 65 won’t be subject to the new work requirements, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be unaffected by them.
Health
UNM Health System hit by ‘cybersecurity issue’
Patients “should not show up to UNM Health facilities on October 26,” an announcement on the health system’s website stated.
‘A terrible crisis’: Flooding prompts rescues, evacuations in San Juan County
Farmington police in a Facebook post around 9 a.m. Friday wrote emergency responders were still rescuing people throughout the area.
Lawsuit alleges Tijeras daycare failed to prevent 1-year-old’s choking death
The daycare has said it immediately responded to the choking, but the lawsuit alleges staff failed to recognize and address it in time.
child & Family Welfare
CYFD withheld records after death of 10-month-old girl, lawsuit alleges
CYFD gave little explanation in denying requests for information about 10-month-old Skylar Magana’s death, an attorney alleges.
CYFD fails to implement long-awaited case management system by deadline
CYFD has not yet set a new timeline for the project’s rollout, prompting concerns from lawmakers over the seemingly endless delays.
CYFD sent documents to incorrect foster families, leaking child information
The agency apologized for the error on Friday, and said a printer malfunction was to blame for the mistake.
Government
Early voting numbers surpass 2022 as more Democrats, independents vote
Midterm turnout remains lower than presidential cycles, but the Democratic early voter advantage has increased compared to 2022.
‘We’re all on heightened alert’: New Mexico election officials prepare for ICE agents at polls
Election officials are preparing for a various scenarios in the upcoming November midterm elections, including the possibility of federal interference.
‘Appalled’ and ‘betrayed’: Candidates for office in Southern New Mexico sound off of Project Jupiter
Doña Ana County commissioner candidates pledged to be more transparent at a forum in Las Cruces earlier this month.
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