New Mexico governor calls for anti-hazing legislation amid NMSU controversy

SANTA FE, New Mexico (KVIA) -- New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is planning to push new legislation making it clear that hazing is a crime under state law.

The announcement comes as two NMSU basketball players file a lawsuit against the university, two former coaches, and three of their teammates alleging hazing and sexual abuse. Lujan Grisham says her administration takes a zero tolerance approach to hazing and abuse.

“In the next legislative session, I will be putting anti-hazing and abuse legislation on the call, making it unequivocal in state law that hazing is a crime and those who do harm to others will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," Lujan Grisham said in a statement.

Lujan Grisham also called out public universities in New Mexico, saying it is the responsibility of higher education leadership and governing boards to keep students safe. The governor expressed her disappointment in some state university leadership.

According to the governor, New Mexico is one of six states that do not have an anti-hazing law.