Student group protesting candidate visit
Group that invited Susana Martinez said politics was not a consideration
September 17, 2010 6:59 PM
Argen Duncan

A disagreement has arisen among two groups at Eastern New Mexico University as to whether gubernatorial candidate Susana Martinez should have been invited to speak as a role model for Hispanic people.

Hispanic Heritage Month activities organizers invited Martinez to speak as a role model to encourage students, but a Hispanic advocacy group says her stance against illegal immigration makes her an unsuitable example.

Martinez, a Republican, is scheduled to speak about her life as Dona Ana County district attorney and as a wife and mother Monday at the Campus Union Building, at the invitation of Hispanic Affairs.

Citing her stance against illegal immigrants, the Hispanic advocacy student group Association to Help Our Race Advance has planned a protest of Martinez being cast as a role model.

AHORA faculty sponsor Geni Flores said the students would display signs, wear caps and gowns and show a slogan that read “Don’t take away our dreamsâ€