SANTA FE – The state Supreme Court today reaffirmed its commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable justice system in New Mexico.

In an open letter to the public, the Court noted that the words "Dedicated to the Administration of Equal Justice Under Law" are carved in the wood above where justices sit in the courtroom in the Supreme Court Building.

"For 123 years, these words have served as a guidepost to the Justices and a promise to all New Mexico," the Court wrote. "As we face challenges and pushback at the federal level against inclusivity efforts, the Supreme Court of New Mexico affirms our commitment to these values. As stewards of justice, we recognize that a just legal system must reflect and respect the diverse communities that it serves."

The Court stated: "We remain devoted to eliminating barriers to justice, promoting equal access, and ensuring that every individual is treated with dignity and fairness regardless of race, ethnicity, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, indigency status, physical, mental, or developmental disability or condition, age, English language proficiency, parenting status, or pregnancy."

"We will continue to work collaboratively with judges, court staff, attorneys, the Commission on Equity and Justice, other Supreme Court Commissions, and community justice partners to build a more just, accessible, and equitable legal system for all," the Court wrote.

The Supreme Court established its Commission on Equity and Justice in 2020. Since then, the Court has adopted an order requiring state courts to use an individual's name and their designated personal pronouns and salutations. A statewide Equity, Inclusion and Justice Program has been created within the Administrative Office of the Courts. The program has made presentations to magistrate, municipal, probate and district court judges to help them identify and address inequity in the judicial process. Employee training also has been conducted to promote equity and inclusion in the workplace.