Professor Sues New Mexico Highlands University Over DEI Initiative Retaliation
Biology professor claims discrimination and free speech violations following his diversity proposal.
1Lawsuit Against University
Biology professor Jesús Antonio Rivas-Molina has filed a lawsuit against New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas District Court. He alleges the institution engaged in retaliation and discrimination after he proposed a diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative in March 2025. The professor claims these actions violated his constitutional free speech rights.
2DEI Proposal Sparks Backlash
Following his March 27, 2025 email advocating for stronger diversity commitments, Rivas-Molina faced immediate faculty criticism. Colleagues labeled his proposal as misogynistic, racist, and heteronormative. Acting Provost Brandon Kempner subsequently launched an external investigation into the professor, which Rivas-Molina argues was a direct retaliatory response to his advocacy for institutional inclusivity.
3Disciplinary Measures Imposed
The university subjected Rivas-Molina to several sanctions, including two written reprimands and removal from his department chair position. He was placed on administrative leave and a performance-improvement plan. Additionally, he was required to submit monthly reports detailing his progress toward becoming more inclusive in his professional communications with other faculty members.
4Allegations of Procedural Bias
Rivas-Molina claims the university failed to interview witnesses he identified during the external investigation, violating established school policies. He argues that the administration applied disciplinary rules inconsistently, specifically targeting him while ignoring his own complaints of discrimination. He asserts that the university treated brown faculty members differently than their white counterparts.
5Escalation of Internal Conflict
Tensions peaked when Rivas-Molina approached university officials in August 2025 to challenge the enforcement of handbook violations. Instead of addressing his concerns, the administration allegedly threatened to block his access to university email. Two professors on the faculty senate executive committee later sought no-contact orders against him, further intensifying the ongoing workplace dispute.
6Rejection of Labor Board
The conflict persisted despite a recommendation from a New Mexico Public Employee Labor Relations Board hearing officer. The board had suggested that the university rescind the initial disciplinary actions taken against Rivas-Molina. However, the university rejected this recommendation, leading the professor to pursue further legal action through a jury trial request.
7Broader Patterns of Allegations
The lawsuit suggests a wider culture of discrimination at the institution beyond the plaintiff's specific case. Rivas-Molina claims a professor from India left the university after officials failed to investigate racist comments directed at them. These allegations form part of his broader argument regarding the university's systemic failure to protect minority faculty members.
8Legal Path Forward
Represented by attorney Eric Sirotkin, Rivas-Molina is seeking a 12-person jury trial to address his claims. The defendants include the university's Board of Regents and several high-ranking officials. Chief Judge Flora Gallegos has been assigned to the case, which highlights the growing legal tensions surrounding DEI initiatives within American higher education institutions.