Ministry often calls us to walk alongside others, offering support not just in spirit, but through tangible acts of service. Recently, I had the privilege of putting my unique skills to work in just such a way, collaborating with Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres of Luther House UNM & CNM during a challenging moment.
The University of New Mexico (UNM), responding to shifting federal directives regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, proposed significant changes to its Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity policies. As reported in the Daily Lobo in early April 2025, these potential changes threatened to weaken protections for the very communities that make New Mexico, and UNM, so vibrant and diverse. Pastor Rhonda, deeply concerned about the impact on students and the university's commitment to its values, felt compelled to respond.
Seeing an opportunity to offer support, I brought my particular combination of skills to the table. First and foremost was active listening – truly hearing Pastor Rhonda's concerns, her passion for the students she serves, and her desire to articulate a response grounded in both faith and a deep understanding of New Mexico's unique cultural landscape.
Drawing on our awareness of current events and their complexity, we discussed - together with one of her students - the nuances of the federal mandates versus the specific needs and moral obligations of a state institution like UNM, situated in a state defined by its multicultural heritage.
Then, leveraging my writing skills, gleaned from my journalism degree and a lifetime of marketing writing, we began to shape her thoughts into a clear, persuasive message. This wasn't just about putting words on paper; it was about translating conviction into a formal protest that was both principled and direct.
To enhance our collaboration, we also utilized AI tools. This wasn't about replacing human thought, but augmenting it – using AI to help workshop phrasing, structure arguments, and refine the tone, ensuring the final letter was as powerful and effective as possible. It became a collaborative partner in the drafting process.
The result of this partnership was the formal memorandum, dated April 3, 2025, sent to UNM President Stokes and other university leaders. The letter strongly opposed the proposed changes, highlighting New Mexico's diversity, the ethical implications of weakening protections, and the university's moral responsibility to uphold equity. Pastor Rhonda expressed her deep gratitude for the support and collaboration in crafting this vital communication, and it was a highly satisfying experience to collaborate with her and her student.
This experience was more than just helping a colleague; it was a powerful reminder of how seemingly distinct skills can converge in meaningful service. The ability to listen deeply, understand complex situations, communicate clearly in writing, and effectively utilize modern tools like AI represents a blend of business acumen and communication expertise. It's precisely this combination I believe will be a vital asset in my own ministry, particularly when the church discerns the need for public advocacy on issues crucial to our faith and community. It’s about putting faith into action, using the gifts we have to speak truth to power, collaboratively and effectively. And the absolute necessity of doing this in covenant and community.
Here is the resulting letter:
MEMORANDUM
TO: President Garnett S. Stokes, University of New Mexico
UNM Board of Regents
UNM Office of Compliance, Ethics & Equal Opportunity
FROM: Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres of Lutheran Campus Ministry of New Mexico, Inc. (Luther House UNM & CNM)
DATE: April 3, 2025
SUBJECT: Formal Protest Regarding Proposed Draft Changes to UNM Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Policies
Luther House UNM & CNM writes to express its profound concern and strong opposition to the recently circulated draft changes to the University of New Mexico's Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (EO) policies, reportedly stemming from evolving federal directives and interpretations (Daily Lobo, April 2, 2025). We believe these proposed modifications represent a significant step backward for the university and the state it serves.
New Mexico prides itself on its rich cultural tapestry and deep-rooted diversity; it is a state uniquely defined by the confluence of cultures and languages, reflected in its status as the only state with two official languages. The University of New Mexico, situated at the heart of this state, should be a beacon reflecting and championing this diversity. However, the proposed changes, particularly any move to weaken or eliminate affirmative action statements and specific protections, starkly contrast with the lived reality of our campus community and the demographic makeup of New Mexico. Such actions do not represent who we are as a state or who attends and works at UNM.
It is our firm position that weakening these policies constitutes an abandonment of UNM's commitment to its minority students, both present and future. These policies are not mere statements; they are crucial frameworks intended to counteract systemic discrimination and marginalization. Removing or significantly altering them leaves vulnerable student populations without adequate institutional protection and fails to address the historical injustices and persistent inequalities that necessitate such measures in the first place. We fear this will inevitably lead to a campus environment that is less inclusive, less equitable, and ultimately, less representative of the diverse population of New Mexico.
The unique cultural and historical fabric of our state was woven by the very communities who stand to lose protections under these revised policies. Removing specific populations from the scope of affirmative action or equal opportunity protections is a decision laden with severe ethical implications. It denies the fundamental dignity and rights of a significant portion of our student body and the broader New Mexico community, sending a message that their history, presence, and challenges are no longer a priority for the institution. This is a moral outrage.
Furthermore, we must object to the reported timeline associated with these proposed changes. A shortened period for review and response inhibits the ability of concerned stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and community organizations like ours, to engage meaningfully and provide necessary feedback on matters of such critical importance.
Universities have historically served as vital spaces for fostering democracy, protecting freedom of expression, and pursuing intellectual honesty. UNM, as a leading institution in New Mexico, holds a particular responsibility in this regard. To concede to external pressures or mandates perceived as hostile to multiculturalism and democracy without robust resistance is to abdicate this responsibility. While we recognize the potential financial ramifications of non-compliance with federal regulations, we contend that the moral, ethical, and societal cost of retreating from established principles of equity and inclusion is far greater. Capitulating on these core values risks eroding the University's moral authority and setting a detrimental precedent for other institutions across the state. UNM is not just an educational institution; it is a moral, economic, and cultural anchor for New Mexico, and its actions carry significant weight. If universities like UNM don't push back against ethically bankrupt positions, who will?
We urge the UNM administration and Board of Regents to reject the proposed weakening of its Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity policies. We implore you to reaffirm UNM's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through strong, clear, and actionable policies that protect all members of its community and actively work to dismantle systemic barriers.
Luther House UNM & CNM stands ready to discuss these critical issues further. We believe a different path is possible – one that upholds both legal requirements and the deeper moral obligations UNM has to its students and the state of New Mexico.
Sincerely,
Rev. Rhonda Newby-Torres
Pastor
Luther House UNM & CNM
Lutheran Campus Ministry of New Mexico, Inc.
