The bill amends Section 22-23C-5 of the New Mexico Statutes to enhance the role of the Black Education Liaison within the Department of Education. Key changes include the establishment of an online reporting portal for school-based incidents of racism or racial discrimination, which will maintain confidentiality as submissions will not be considered public records. Additionally, the bill updates the terminology from "white papers" to "policy briefs or position papers," reflecting a shift in how educational research and policy recommendations are categorized.
The responsibilities of the Black Education Liaison are expanded to include advising on the development and implementation of public policy related to the education of Black students, as well as assisting in the creation of a five-year strategic plan for public education. The liaison will also provide resources for school districts and charter schools to foster equitable learning environments and support the recruitment of diverse parent representation on educational committees. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the support and resources available for Black students in New Mexico's educational system.
Statutes affected: introduced version: 22-23C-5