A year ago the pandemic changed everything. But something else happened during that time – a social justice movement. A civil rights bill is now on the New Mexico governor’s desk. Barbara Jordan is with PRESS New Mexico. It stands for people who demand equality within systemic systems. She believes the Civil Rights Act addresses some of these concerns: “Change is happening. It’s not enough, ”said Jordan. She approves the bill that removes so-called “qualified immunity”. These are special protective measures against the prosecution of public sector employees. This is everyone from politicians and police officers to teachers, bus drivers and other social workers. They now know that we can hold them accountable if they violate our civil rights or if they improperly search and confiscate someone or if they discriminate against someone because of their sexual identity or skin color, ”Jordan said. Meanwhile, Shaun Willoughby with the Albuquerque Police Officer’s Association doesn’t endorse the bill: “I don’t think this speaks in favor of talking about reform or accountability,” Willoughby said. He believes removing these “qualified immunities” will result in the state paying out much more lawsuits: “With this bill, we’re just raising a big red flag over the state of New Mexico that says, ‘If you work for the government want to choose another because New Mexico doesn’t support you, ”he said. Check out Action 7 News at 6 p.m. to learn more about civil rights law, including comments from the New Mexico ACLU and our KOAT legal expert.
A year ago the pandemic changed everything.
During this time something else happened – a movement for social justice.
A civil rights bill is now being sent to the New Mexico governor’s desk.
Barbara Jordan is with PRESS New Mexico. It stands for people who need equality within systemic systems.
She believes the Civil Rights Act addresses some of these concerns.
“Change happens. That’s not enough, ”said Jordan.
She approves the bill that removes so-called “qualified immunity”.
These are special protective measures against the prosecution of public sector employees.
This is everyone from politicians and police officers to teachers, bus drivers and other social workers.
“They now know that we can hold them accountable if they violate our civil rights or if they improperly search and confiscate someone or if they discriminate against someone because of their sexual identity or skin color,” said Jordan.
Meanwhile, Shaun Willoughby of the Albuquerque Police Officer’s Association does not endorse the bill.
“I don’t think that speaks in favor of talking about reform or accountability,” said Willoughby.
He believes that the removal of these “qualified immunities” will result in the state paying many more lawsuits.
“All we’re doing with this bill is put a big red flag over the state of New Mexico that says,” If you want to work for the government, pick another because New Mexico doesn’t support you, ” he said.
For more information on civil rights law, watch the Action 7 news at 6 p.m., including comments from the New Mexico ACLU and our KOAT legal expert.
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