To: The Board of Regents of the University of New Mexico, UNM Health System Leadership, and Relevant State Officials,

We, the undersigned residents of New Mexico, concerned citizens, survivors of trafficking, advocates for victims' rights, and supporters of ethical public institutions, hereby petition for the immediate removal of the names "Barbara & Bill Richardson" from the Barbara & Bill Richardson Pavilion at the University of New Mexico (UNM) Children's Hospital. This pavilion, dedicated to children's health and well-being, should symbolize protection, care, and integrity—not be associated with allegations of grave misconduct that undermine these values.

The unsealing of court documents from the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, released between 2019 and 2024, has revealed sworn testimony implicating the late former Governor Bill Richardson in the sexual exploitation of underage girls. Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's key victims, stated in a 2016 deposition that she was trafficked to Richardson for sexual purposes while underage, including at locations in New Mexico. Although Richardson denied these allegations before his death in 2023 and was never charged or convicted, the seriousness of the claims—supported by federal court proceedings—demands action to prioritize victims over legacy.

Tragically, Richardson's passing means he will never face trial or provide further defense in a court of law, leaving these accusations unresolved and victims without the closure a legal process might offer. Even more heartbreaking, Giuffre herself died by suicide in April 2025 at the age of 41, presumably due to the enduring trauma inflicted by her abusers. We can no longer seek clarification or additional testimony from her, amplifying the need to honor her voice through institutional accountability.

This petition is not motivated by politics or partisanship. Bill Richardson, a Democrat and former governor from 2003 to 2011, contributed significantly to New Mexico, but public honors must reflect an unwavering commitment to justice and sensitivity. New Mexico has set a precedent for such actions: In 2024, the name of former Democratic legislator Sheryl Williams Stapleton was removed from the African American Performing Arts Center at Expo New Mexico following her indictment on corruption charges—before any conviction. This demonstrates that serious allegations alone warrant de-naming to prevent associating public spaces with scandal and harm.

At its heart, this petition is about amplifying the voices of human trafficking and sex trafficking victims in New Mexico, where the crisis is acute. Our state ranks seventh in the U.S. for human trafficking victims per capita from 2019 to 2023, with 644 confirmed victims identified—a rate of 30.46 per 100,000 residents. In 2023 alone, 40 cases involved 92 victims, mostly in sex trafficking. Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has recorded 628 cases affecting 1,366 victims, with sex trafficking predominant in venues like hotels and online ads. Contributing factors include rural expanses, poverty, limited rural law enforcement, and major highways such as I-40 and I-25. Shockingly, 42% of recruitment cases involve family members, and in 2021, authorities identified 36 new survivors while providers assisted 273 others. Operations like 2024's "Operation Disruption," which rescued 91 individuals in southern New Mexico, highlight the ongoing fight. Yet, New Mexico received an "F" grade in 2022 from Shared Hope International for deficient laws, services, and prevention.

Maintaining the Richardsons' names on a children's hospital pavilion sends a dissonant message in a state where minor victims battle for recognition and justice. Victims like Giuffre endured immense scrutiny to expose predatory networks, and her tragic end underscores the lifelong toll of such abuse. By removing these names, UNM would affirm support for survivors, deter enablers, and align with the anti-trafficking struggle, creating a more compassionate New Mexico.

We urge the University of New Mexico and state leaders to act swiftly: Remove the names from the pavilion and rededicate it in a manner that honors healing and protection for all, especially the vulnerable.

Signed,

Jacob Smith, et al.