The Line Opinion Panel Talks Political Scandals, and the Delta Blues Welcome Back NM Students | 8.6.21

The ripples of the investigation into now former New Mexico Rep. Sheryl Williams Stapleton continue to expand. This week, The Line opinion panelists discuss her quick decision to resign her seat in the House of Representatives. Stapleton still denies her involvement in an alleged scheme to funnel nearly $1 million from Albuquerque Public Schools to accounts and businesses she controlled. In addition to vacating a legislative seat, her resignation has also resulted in a hole in leadership in the House. APS has suspended nearly a dozen employees as the investigation continues. After a long year of learning from home, students across New Mexico are heading back to the classroom in droves. Due to a rise in cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19, school supplies will once again include masks. At the same time, colleges like UNM and NMSU have instituted vaccine mandates for people on campus. The panelists discuss the new restrictions as well as the polarized reaction to those safety procedures. The Line opinion panel also discusses the controversy over Rachel Gudgel, who heads The Legislative Education Study Committee. Her comments about Native students have spurred calls for her ouster and an emotional plea for action from Wilhelmina Yazzie, one of the women who filed (and won) a groundbreaking suit over education equity in New Mexico. Host: Gene Grant Line Guests:  Tom Garrity, The Garrity Group                                                                                                                                                                                                           Laura Sanchez, attorney   Eric Griego, former state senator For More Information: Sheryl Williams Stapleton resigns – NM Political Report Two APS officials, 8 teachers placed on leave – Albuquerque Journal Mask guidance divides parents heading into new school year – Santa Fe New Mexican