FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2021
Contact: Joaquin Romero
(505) 506-5798
Senator Mark Moores Stands with Student Athletes, Urges Public Education Department to #LetThemPlay
SANTA FE – Today, Senator Mark Moores (District 21-Bernalillo) sent a letter to the Secretary of Education, Dr. Ryan Stewart, urging the Public Education Department (PED) to immediately modify its pairing of in-person learning with participation in sports. Under PED’s current policy, high school athletics can only begin when a school reopens for hybrid education.
“I have been contacted by numerous constituents, including parents and student athletes, who were devastated by APS’s recent decision to remain completely virtual,” said Senator Moores, a former high school and college football player. “As one mother stated, the state’s decision to pair in-person learning with sports ‘punishes students twice,’ especially our seniors who are being robbed of their capstone year for athletics.”
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently gave local school districts the option to reopen for hybrid, in-person learning. Last week, however, the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) Board of Education voted to keep Albuquerque schools closed for the remainder of the year – a crushing decision for students hoping to return the field and court.
“Our neighboring states found a way to give students, parents, and schools the option to participate in sports,” added Senator Moores. “New Mexico needs to follow suit, and for the sake of our students, I urge the Governor and Secretary Stewart to #LetThemPlay.”
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