UNM cuts threaten state’s future

REALLY? ALL the politicians in this state talk about is the worry that our graduates are leaving the state. They talk about the need to keep good people here to work and live, and make New Mexico a better place. They say that education is a priority and they want to make it better.

And what do they do? They allow the University of New Mexico, the state university with the highest enrollment, to cut sports programs that keep hundreds of students in college! Students that are keeping up good GPAs. Students that aren’t on the streets causing trouble because they work hard at their sport, staying healthy and learning good social skills. Students that aren’t drug users, but are staying clean and studying, and practicing their sports.

They won’t make it to graduation, not here, anyway, because they are going to leave for out-of-state universities to continue to play sports and study. They are quality people that New Mexico is just giving away!

What is wrong with this picture? I would say everyone responsible for this financial debacle should be fired — but they are gone with their big retirements and benefits packages. Think of all the money they paid to buy out coaches’ contracts over the years because of the buyer’s remorse of the Athletic Department.

And another thing — getting rid of women’s beach volleyball to avoid Title IX requirements?! That is the most shameful thing I have ever heard of; ditching responsibilities to our young, strong women. The #METOO movement just keeled over and died.

I implore Gov. Suzanna Martinez, Mayor Tim Keller and UNM (regents) to step up and figure this out. Make moves to correct these stupid, lousy decisions regarding our children’s future before it is too late. This is something you can and must do right now. Or will all our “leaders” just continue to ignore the obvious issues in New Mexico? PATRICIA HOLLAND

Albuquerque