Affirmative Action: New Mexico

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Brightmine Editorial Team

Summary

• Upon a determination by the New Mexico Human Rights Commission (Commission) that an employer has engaged in discriminatory practices under the New Mexico Human Rights Act (NMHRA), the Commission has the authority to order the employer to take affirmative action in order to eliminate discriminatory barriers or underutilization of protected groups. See Affirmative Action under the New Mexico Human Rights Act.
• If directed to do so by a prevailing executive order of the governor, all New Mexico State departments, state agencies and institutions of higher learning must submit an updated affirmative action plan to the Human Rights Bureau of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. See Affirmative Action under the New Mexico Human Rights Act.
• New Mexico provides preferences to veterans and state residents in public employment. See State Hiring Preferences.
• Sponsors of apprenticeship programs in New Mexico are required to adopt affirmative action plans. See Apprenticeship Programs.
• Under the New Mexico Pay Equity Initiative, gender pay equity reports must be submitted by employers seeking contracts with the state to provide products and services exceeding certain dollar thresholds. See New Mexico Pay Equity Initiative.