Justin and Felisha Sadler faced an unimaginable situation when their daughter was brutally attacked in a classroom at Mission Achievement and Success (MAS) Charter School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This incident not only left their daughter with severe injuries and trauma but it also triggered a distressing legal battle. The family's attempt to seek justice and voice their concerns was met with censorship by the school, leading to a First Amendment violation as online criticisms and social media posts were silenced.

This personal story is not an isolated one. Across New Mexico, countless families are experiencing confusion and inconsistent disciplinary actions within our public schools. Procedural errors are too common, and without proper oversight, they lead to costly legal battles and, most critically, poor educational and metal heath outcomes for students and parents who deserve better.

The lack of independent oversight in our public school system has allowed procedural mistakes to persist unchecked. These mistakes not only cost our state millions in legal fees but also compromise the mentality, safety and education quality of countless students in New Mexico.

To address this systemic issue, we propose the implementation of the The School Advocate Act. This act calls for the establishment of a statewide, independent School Advocate Program. This program would place neutral, qualified oversight officials within our schools. The designated advocates would:

- Ensure consistent and fair disciplinary actions by auditing and supervising school procedures.
- Offer an unbiased review of safety protocols, ensuring better protection for our students.
- Serve as a point of contact for parents and students to voice concerns without fear of retribution or censorship.
- Help navigate conflicts effectively, reducing the need for costly legal actions.

By advocating for The School Advocate Act, we aim to protect students' rights, ensure transparency, and cultivate a safer, more equitable educational environment for all students across New Mexico.

Join us in this crucial effort to bring about meaningful change in our educational system. Sign this petition to support the creation of The School Advocate Act and help provide a safer, fairer future for our children in New Mexico. Together, we can make a difference and bring back safety to our children.