December 18, 2024
VIA EMAIL
New Mexico State University
Board of Regents / Office of the President
2850 Weddell St
Hadley Hall
Las Cruces, NM, 88003
[email protected][email protected] RE: NMDOJ’s Investigative Findings and Recommendations on Hazing
and Title IX at New Mexico State University
Dear Chairwoman Dr. Ammu Devasthali, Members of the Board of Regents, and
Interim President Dr. Mónica Torres:
Over the past several months, the New Mexico Department of Justice (NMDOJ) has
conducted a review into New Mexico State University’s (NMSU) Title IX and
hazing prevention systems and practices. I write to provide the NMDOJ’s final
report documenting investigative findings and recommendations for improvement.
The NMDOJ’s review was prompted by disturbing sexualized hazing incidents
within the 2022-2023 men’s basketball program, which resulted in the charging of
three former NMSU student-athletes by my office. These incidents revealed a toxic
locker room culture, an absence of oversight by key Athletic Department
personnel, and a systemic lack of priority given to hazing prevention measures.
While NMSU has made commendable strides in improving safety protocols since
the events in 2022-23, our findings underscore the need for sustained action to
ensure that sexual assault and hazing prevention remain institutional priorities.
The attached report identifies seven primary areas of concern and provides 35
actionable recommendations, including:
New Mexico Department of Justice
408 Galisteo Street | Santa Fe, NM 87501 | (505) 490-4060 | NMDOJ.GOV
1. Developing written guidelines to improve coordination between the
Athletic Department, Office of Institutional Equity, and Dean of Students;
2. Instituting recurring Title IX and anti-hazing training for all students
and staff;
3. Employing consistent disciplinary measures for student-athlete
misconduct;
4. Enhancing scrutiny of hiring and recruiting practices for coaches and
players;
5. Securing senior leadership’s commitment to prioritize safety and allocate
adequate financial and human resources; and
6. Creating a resource center for sexual violence education and prevention.
Additionally, we will be urging the New Mexico Legislature to pass anti-hazing
legislation, as New Mexico remains one of only six states without such statutory
safeguards. The attached report includes draft legislation.
NMSU has an opportunity to take meaningful steps to enhance the well-being of
its students, and set the standard for sexual assault and hazing prevention
statewide. The NMDOJ looks forward to continued collaboration to ensure a safe
and supportive environment for all students.
Sincerely,
Raúl Torrez
Attorney General
New Mexico Department of Justice
New Mexico Department of Justice
408 Galisteo Street | Santa Fe, NM 87501 | (505) 490-4060 | NMDOJ.GOV
CC: Stephanie Rodriguez, Secretary, New Mexico Higher Education Department,
[email protected] Lisa Henderson, General Counsel, NMSU,
[email protected] Adam Cavotta, Chief of Staff, NMSU Board of Regents,
[email protected]Encl: NMDOJ Final Report
New Mexico Department of Justice
408 Galisteo Street | Santa Fe, NM 87501 | (505) 490-4060 | NMDOJ.GOV
