In April, New Mexico State University (NMSU) found itself in the midst of a debate sparked by an event organized by Young Americans for Freedom (YAF), featuring a speaking engagement by conservative commentator Matt Walsh. This campus controversy culminated in the drafting of a letter addressed to the interim president of the New Mexico State University Board of Regents. Notably, among the signatories of this letter are Democratic State Senators Carrie Hamblen and William Soules.
Within this letter, university administrators convey their “extreme disappointment” with NMSU’s decision to host Matt Walsh, leveling accusations against him, including allegations of inciting violence, promoting racist and pro-slavery ideologies, and downplaying charges related to pedophilia and child abuse. It is worth noting that the letter conspicuously lacks concrete evidence to substantiate these allegations, creating a significant gap in their argument—an aspect that warrants careful consideration.
Officials at New Mexico State University are urging a substantial conversation concerning the university’s policies and the rationale behind permitting such an event. They seek transparency regarding the extent of administrative support for this event and inquire about potential future measures or policies aimed at preventing emotional and psychological harm to particularly vulnerable students.
Crucially, it’s essential to underscore that once Matt Walsh was invited to speak on campus by a recognized student organization that followed established procedures, New Mexico State University, as a public institution, had no legal grounds to impose restrictions on his appearance. This is a pivotal point to emphasize, meriting significant attention.
Additionally, the letter references House Bill 207, a legislative development that extends the reach of the New Mexico Human Rights Act to encompass all levels of state government, including institutions, municipalities, counties, and public contractors. Within the framework of this legislation, the bill proposes the inclusion of clear definitions for categories such as sex, gender, gender identity, disability, and sexual orientation within the Human Rights Act.
In response to these concerns, Jay Gouge, interim president of New Mexico State University, has arranged a meeting involving Senator Hamblen and Jewel Navarette, chairwoman of the New Mexico State University Young Alumni Foundation. On the university campus, Navarette and her fellow conservative students remain resolute in their commitment to defending their First Amendment rights and advocating for unrestricted freedom of speech and expression.
Notably, among the signatories of this letter are State Representative Angelica Rubio, Las Cruces Council Mayor Pro Tem Kasandra Gandara, Las Cruces City Councilors Becky Corran, Johana Bencomo, and Becki Graham, as well as Dona Ana County Commissioners Shannon Reynolds and Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez. It’s worth highlighting that State Representative Angelica Rubio, alongside Senators Hamblen and Soules, has also endorsed this document—a significant development in this context.