Online petition challenges Alexee Trevizo’s enrollment at NMSU; Trevizo is charged with killing her newborn baby at Artesia Hospital

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- A petition to have Alexee Trevizo disenrolled from NMSU is gaining momentum online. Trevizo is charged with murder in the death of her newborn baby at an Artesia hospital. She faces life in prison if convicted.

Trevizo began attending online classes at NMSU this fall, while awaiting trial. With her enrollment came opinions from many in the public that she should not be allowed to seek an education while awaiting trial, and should instead be in jail.

The online petition has already been signed by more than 23,000 people and is urging NMSU to disenroll Trevizo, implement stricter background checks and screening processes for new students, and collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that people charged with violent crimes against children are not permitted into certain careers.

Trevizo's lawyer told ABC-7 the petition is unfair, saying it denies Trevizo a fundamental right that all Americans have to education. He cautioned everyone to remember that Trevizo is innocent until proven guilty. He also argued that a person awaiting trial should be allowed access to education, considering that convicted criminals are allowed education while serving sentences in prison.

Trevizo's trial is set to begin in Eddy County in August of 2024.