Media Contact

Micah McCoy, (505) 266-5915 x1003 or mmccoy@aclu-nm.org

October 3, 2017

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Today, after several University of New Mexico football players took a knee during the national anthem this weekend, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico announced that it stands ready to defend the First Amendment right of student athletes to participate in political protests.

The following quote can be attributed to ACLU of New Mexico Executive Director Peter Simonson:

"Nothing is more All-American than protest, and the ACLU supports student athlete's right to make their voices heard on important issues like racial justice and police brutality. We remind New Mexico schools that the courts have been very clear that students may protest at school so long as they do not materially disrupt the educational process. If any public school student in New Mexico feels that their school has punished them for engaging in peaceful political protest, they should file a complaint at the ACLU of New Mexico website immediately.”

Written legal complaints may be filed online at: https://action.aclu.org/secure/nm-submit-complaint