A yearslong investigation by the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) has concluded that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools district disproportionately disciplines Native American and Hispanic students. The report, titled “Forced Out: How Exclusionary and Disparate Disciplinary Practices at Gallup-McKinley County Schools Rob Students of Instructional Time,” was published on July 2, 2026.
According to the NMDOJ, students in the district lose at least twice as many instructional days to out-of-school suspensions compared to other New Mexico districts. The disparity is significantly higher for minority groups: Native American students lose eight to 10 times more school days than their white peers, while Hispanic students lose three to four times as many. The investigation, launched in 2023, found that teachers in the district frequently impose harsher penalties on these groups for similar infractions.
District officials have responded to the findings by highlighting ongoing reforms. A spokesperson stated that under Superintendent Jvanna Hanks, the district has established an Equity Council that includes representatives from the Native American community. The district noted it is reviewing the report to ensure all students are treated fairly.
However, Kevin Mitchell, president of the Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education, disputed the framing of the findings. Mitchell argued that because the district’s population is approximately 89% Native American, disciplinary statistics naturally reflect that demographic. He maintained that the board is committed to quality education and is actively working through committees to address educational equity.
The NMDOJ report acknowledged some progress, noting a decrease in expulsions and law enforcement referrals within the district. This investigation occurs against a backdrop of wider concerns regarding lost instructional time in New Mexico, which state lawmakers have struggled to address despite significant investments aimed at complying with the Yazzie/Martinez educational equity lawsuit.