About the Case
Historical context and background on the landmark education equity decision
Martinez/Yazzie v. State of New Mexico
The Martinez/Yazzie lawsuit is a consolidated education equity case that found the State of New Mexico in violation of its constitutional obligation to provide a sufficient education to all students. The case combines two separately filed lawsuits - Yazzie v. State of New Mexico and Martinez v. State of New Mexico - which were consolidated for trial in 2018.
Origins of the Case
The Yazzie case was filed in 2014 by the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty on behalf of Native American students and families, along with several school districts serving predominantly Native American communities. The Martinez case was filed separately on behalf of low-income students, English Language Learners, students with disabilities, and Native American students. Both lawsuits alleged that the state was failing to provide these "at-risk" students with the programs, services, and funding necessary for them to receive a constitutionally sufficient education.
The 2018 Decision
On July 20, 2018, First Judicial District Court Judge Sarah Singleton issued a landmark ruling finding that New Mexico had violated the education clause of the state constitution. The court found that the state's public education system was not providing at-risk students - including Native American students, English Language Learners, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students - with a sufficient education that prepares them for college or career. Judge Singleton ordered the state to take immediate steps to ensure that at-risk students are provided with the programs and services necessary to give them the opportunity to obtain a uniform and sufficient education.
Ongoing Compliance
Since the 2018 decision, the case has entered a compliance phase in which the state is required to demonstrate meaningful progress toward meeting the court's order. This includes developing and implementing plans to address the needs of at-risk students, increasing and targeting funding, and reporting to the court on progress. The compliance process is ongoing and continues to be monitored by the court.
Why This Platform Exists
Martinez/Yazzie News is an independent public records platform dedicated to transparency. We provide access to court documents, state compliance plans, legislative actions, and community analysis so that New Mexicans can track the state's progress in fulfilling the constitutional promise affirmed by this decision. Every child in New Mexico deserves a sufficient education, regardless of where they live, what language they speak at home, or whether they have a disability.
Videos
Watch interviews, presentations, and coverage related to the Martinez/Yazzie case.