A new report by the New Mexico Department of Justice says Native students are disciplined more harshly and miss more school days from suspensions than other students at Gallup-McKinley County Schools. The school district has a majority Navajo student population and was the focus of a 2023 news investigation that prompted calls for further investigations.
In South Dakota, education leaders are looking into the state’s licensing exams after research shows a disproportionately low number of Native teacher candidates pass the costly exam. Native teachers are in short supply in the state and Native education advocates say that streamlining licensing requirements could be barrier.
To join the discussion, call 1-800-996-2848. This program airs on KIDE at 10 am Pacific. It is archived on nativeamericacalling.com
GUESTS
Dr. Wendy Greyeyes (Diné), chair of the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission and assistant professor of Native American Studies at the University of New Mexico
Kevin Mitchell (Diné), Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education president
Priscilla Benally (Diné), Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education vice president
Dr. Sherry Johnson (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate), education director for the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate