Rebecca Dow, a House representative from New Mexico, expressed her support for Senator Benny Shendo's proposal to expand educational freedom on tribal lands. She described the initiative as a step toward strengthening Native self-determination. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
"Self determination puts power closest to the people," said Rebecca L. Dow, New Mexico State Representative for 38th District (R). "I was proud to support Senator Shendo's effort to create educational freedom on tribal lands. If first you don't succeed, try try again!"
Native American students constitute approximately 10.3% of New Mexico’s public school population, one of the highest percentages in the United States. In 2023, their high school graduation rate reached 74.7%, marking a modest increase of 2.7 percentage points from the previous year. However, reading proficiency rates remained low at around 27%. These statistics underscore ongoing disparities in educational attainment for Native students, according to the New Mexico Public Education Department.
Comparative reports indicate that tribally controlled schools often focus on providing stronger cultural and language programs. Tribal leaders argue that these elements are lacking in state-operated schools and contribute to weaker educational outcomes. The new compact school model under Senate Bill 13 (SB 13) was developed to address these gaps by granting tribes greater control over curricula and student support systems, as reported by KUNM.
Dow, born in 1973, is a Republican representing District 38 in the New Mexico House of Representatives. She served from 2017 to 2022 and returned in 2025. Dow is also a nonprofit founder with expertise in early childhood education and ran for governor in 2022. Her policy positions emphasize deregulation, rural economic development, early education support, and conservative social values, according to information from the New Mexico Legislature.
