Albuquerque, New Mexico, is experiencing a dramatic shift in its governmental approach, spearheaded by principles rooted in Critical Race Theory (CRT). This significant transformation of one of the largest cities in the United States is raising eyebrows and questions about the future of its 550,000 residents.
A Shift in Leadership
Since the election of Democratic Mayor Tim Keller in 2017, Albuquerque's political landscape has been steadily changing. Keller promised to address growing inequities, stating, “From Day One of our administration, we knew that inequity was growing and that we would have to change the culture. When has learning and growing ever been comfortable?”
Fox News highlighted the city's controversial hires to push its leftist agenda. Notably, an equity consultant has been brought on board who believes the U.S. military is irredeemably racist. The stance has stirred heated debate, especially considering the presence of military bases in and near Albuquerque, such as Kirtland Air Force Base:
One of the equity consultants hired included Zamil Salhab from RACED Consulting, who has far-left views, including that the U.S. military is the “home of White supremacy.” Salhab is a “genderqueer first generation American and Post 9-11 veteran,” according to the RACED Consulting website.
“Being first generation and being black, being queer. And then to go into what I believe is the home of White supremacy and patriarchy, the military. Little did I realize like what damage… I was doing to myself and what I'd have to go through in order to deconstruct myself after getting out of the service,” Salhab said in June 2020. “Because society not only teaches that Black bodies are less than… And so and then to be a woman. So to deal with those different intersectionalities of the White supremacy construct, it was, you know, for a period of time I thought I was nuts, I thought I was crazy.”
The city confirmed, “The Office of Equity and Inclusion contracted with RACED Consulting LLC.”
RACED Consulting has expertise on the topic of “white fragility,” according to its website.
As part of their effort to rid the local government of its allegedly subconscious bigotry, every department has received a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) staffer tasked with conducting an “equity assessment.”
Impact and Reactions
The city's embrace of CRT and its subsequent policy changes have garnered mixed reactions, especially as New Mexico in general faces more pressing challenges, such as higher unemployment rates compared to the national average and a middling economic outlook ranking.
Political Landscape and Historical Context
New Mexico's political landscape has seen various shifts over the years. A pre-debate survey conducted among 555 voters from June 13 to June 14 showed Biden with a 7-point lead in the “Land of Enchantment,” 48% to 41%.
Former President George W. Bush in 2004 was the only Republican to win the state since 1988, although Democrats fear it'll be seriously contested this cycle.
Oh WOW… they hired an Mentally Unstable person as a consultant…. WHAT could go WRONG.
Ever notice that when certain groups are in trouble or commit offenses, it’s alway attributed tto racism. Never take responsibility themselves.
DEI is afailure, it is already failed.
I read with with open mouthed shock when reading that each department in government got its own DEI person/officer. I put officer because it reminded me of the part compliance officer who reportedly was within every unit or aboard every ship of the USSR and maybe even within the Chinese military units. Everyone must adhere to this party and those who don’t are reported for disciplinary action. These officials seem more like the communist party political officers . This has no place within the United States.
Maybe it’s time for citizens to reevaluate whether or not they stand for the Constitution and the bill of rights or for the communist manifesto!